Follow us on Google News | Whatsapp Channel
As the Lok Sabha elections progress, the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency is poised for a pivotal 5th phase on May 20. With over 1,737,000 voters set to decide the fate of 22 candidates, the stage is meticulously prepared for a significant democratic exercise. Following Srinagar’s remarkable achievement of its highest voter turnout in three decades at 37.99%, attention is now turning to the remaining Valley seats. Observers are eagerly awaiting to see if the voter participation will exceed the 50% mark in one or both of these parliamentary constituencies. The Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, known for its tumultuous political history, is once again at the center stage of India’s democratic theater. As the 5th phase of elections approaches, candidates are engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy, with survival being the name of the game. For former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah, this election is a test of political survival. His legacy, intertwined with the complex tapestry of Kashmiri politics, faces its toughest challenge yet. Opposing Abdullah is Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, a formidable contender with a charismatic appeal. His campaign resonates with promises of change and progress, captivating the hearts of disillusioned voters who yearn for a new direction. For Lone, survival means transcending the shadow of his political lineage and emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Till Saturday political parties and candidates are actively connecting with voters through rallies, roadshows, and corner meetings, especially in the Baramulla parliamentary seat. Situated in north Kashmir, this seat spans across four districts: Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara in north Kashmir, and following delimitation, few segments of Budgam in central Kashmir have been included in Baramulla seat as well. Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, P.K. Pole told Kashmir Horizon that that all necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the elections. “Preparations for the 5th phase of the LS Polls in Baramulla PC are complete, emphasizing the extensive groundwork done to ensure a seamless voting process.
“This election season sees a competitive field with 22 candidates vying for victory, featuring notable figures such as former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mir Fayaz, and former Member of Legislative Assembly Engineer Rasheed. Among other contenders is Muneer Ahmad Khan, brother of separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan, representing the Nationalist Peoples Front, alongside two independent female candidates, Suraiya Nissar and Shafeeqa Begum. In the previous parliamentary polls of 2019, NC’s Muhammad Akbar Lone was elected, securing 133,426 votes. Peoples Conference’s Raja Aijaz Ali followed closely with 103,193 votes, while independent candidate Engineer Rashid garnered 102,168 votes. PDP’s Abdul Qayyum Wani obtained 53,530 votes, and Congress’s Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir secured 34,532 votes.”
The 5th phase will encompass 2,103 polling stations across four districts: Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Budgam. Each polling station will be manned by four election staff, including a Presiding Officer, totaling over 8,000 personnel, including reserves, dedicated to managing the polls. The voter demographics for this phase are notable. Among the 1,737,865 enrolled voters, there are 875,831 males, 862,000 females, and 34 third-gender individuals. This diverse voter base is a testament to the inclusive nature of the electoral process. Additionally, the CEO highlighted the inclusion of approximately 17,128 persons with disabilities and 527 centenarians. These numbers underscore the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring accessibility and participation for all eligible voters, regardless of their physical conditions or age. The districts of Kupwara and Baramulla feature 28 border polling stations, necessitating special logistical and security arrangements. These stations are crucial for ensuring that residents in these sensitive areas can exercise their democratic rights without hindrance. “We encourage all voters to participate in large numbers in this significant event of the world’s largest democracy,” CEO Pole urged, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in strengthening democratic governance. As per ECI office , every polling station will be provided with assured minimum facilities (AMF) like drinking water, electricity, toilet, ramp, furniture, verandah/shed etc. Wheel chair will also be provided. Ballot Unit will also have a list of contesting candidates in brail script. Wherever required there will be separate queues for senior citizens and specially-abled persons so that they are facilitated in every polling station. Additionally, there will be a voter help desk, manned by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) to extend necessary help whenever required. There will be 18 number of polling booths managed by women (also called as pink polling stations), 17 number of polling booths manned by specially abled persons and 18 number of Polling Booths managed by youths. Also in order to spread message about environment, there will be 21 green polling stations. The purpose behind these special polling stations is to spread awareness among certain sections of society viz. women, specially abled, first time young voters etc and to motivate them to come forward and exercise their right to vote. In order to facilitate voters in identification and also to increase voter turnout ratios, all voters have been provided with voter information slips. It is a simple black and white printed piece of paper with information like Polling Station name, date & time of poll, serial number of voter in the list, his full name, QR code but not the photograph of the voter. Hence, Voter Information Slips will not be allowed as proof of the identity of voters. The BLO concerned has distributed voter information slip 100 %. In addition to Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), following 12 types of documents will also be allowed to verify a voter and allow him voting. EPIC card is not mandatory for voting. If some voter has misplaced his/ her EPIC card, with any of the following document can go to the Polling Station and after verification, vote. These documents are Aadhaar Card, MGNREGA Job Card, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour, Driving License,PAN Card,Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,Indian Passport,Pension document with photograph, Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, issued by M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The CEO said that in the entire Jammu & Kashmir, from the date of announcement of the election material/ cash of around 89.44 Crore has been seized. Cash, liquor, drugs and other freebees have been seized by various enforcing departments like Police Department of valuing Rs 85.66 Crore, Income Tax Department 32 lacs, Excise Department 92 lacs, and Narcotics Control Bureau has seized drugs worth 2.32 Crore respectively.
“With over 1.7 million voters set to determine the fate of 22 candidates, the region reflects a significant shift in political engagement, particularly following Srinagar’s notable voter turnout. As preparations intensify, special emphasis is placed on accessibility and inclusivity, with provisions made for voters with disabilities and the elderly. Stringent measures are also in place to ensure transparency and compliance with election regulations. With historical precedence for high voter turnout, Baramulla emerges as a crucial battleground for prominent candidates, signaling a competitive electoral landscape.”
To monitor various election related activities and also check model code of conduct compliance, a Command and Control Room has been established at CEO office, Jammu and similar mini control rooms at every DEO offices. As per the latest instructions of Election Commission of India Special Polling Stations have been established for Migrant Voters of Kashmir Division. A total of 26 Special Polling Stations have been established with 21 polling stations in Jammu, 4 in Delhi, and 1 in Udhampur District respectively. Special Polling Station-wise extract voter list will be with BLOs. Baramulla, set to cast its votes on May 20, has historically boasted higher voter turnout compared to its counterparts in the Valley — Srinagar and Anantnag. This election season sees a competitive field with 22 candidates vying for victory, featuring notable figures such as former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mir Fayaz, and former Member of Legislative Assembly Engineer Rasheed. Among other contenders is Muneer Ahmad Khan, brother of separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan, representing the Nationalist Peoples Front, alongside two independent female candidates, Suraiya Nissar and Shafeeqa Begum. In the previous parliamentary polls of 2019, NC’s Muhammad Akbar Lone was elected, securing 133,426 votes. Peoples Conference’s Raja Aijaz Ali followed closely with 103,193 votes, while independent candidate Engineer Rashid garnered 102,168 votes. PDP’s Abdul Qayyum Wani obtained 53,530 votes, and Congress’s Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir secured 34,532 votes.
Kashmir Horizon View: In the lead-up to the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency stands as a focal point of democratic activity. With over 1.7 million voters set to determine the fate of 22 candidates, the region reflects a significant shift in political engagement, particularly following Srinagar’s notable voter turnout. As preparations intensify, special emphasis is placed on accessibility and inclusivity, with provisions made for voters with disabilities and the elderly. Stringent measures are also in place to ensure transparency and compliance with election regulations. With historical precedence for high voter turnout, Baramulla emerges as a crucial battleground for prominent candidates, signaling a competitive electoral landscape.
Parameter | Details |
Election Phase | 5th |
Date | May 20 |
Total Voters | 1,737,865 |
Male Voters | 875,831 |
Female Voters | 862,000 |
Third-Gender Voters | 34 |
Voters with Disabilities | 17,128 |
Centenarian Voters | 527 |
Polling Stations | 2,103 |
Districts Covered | Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam |
Border Polling Stations | 28 |
Election Personnel | Over 8,000 |
Special Polling Stations | Women: 18, Specially-Abled: 17, Youths: 18, Green: 21 |
( In commitment to continuous improvement the “Team Kashmir Horizon” invites it’s valuable readers to share their valuable feedback and suggestions with the “Team Kashmir Horizon”. The insights of readers will surely play a vital role in improving the content quality of “Kashmir Horizon” and contribute more for the empowerment of people. Please feel free to reach out to us at editor@ thekashmirhorizon.com. Team “Kashmir Horizon” eagerly anticipates thoughts and ideas of it’s readers, which will help us serve people and even more effectively. The inputs of valuable readers are highly valued as “Kashmir Horizon” strives to provide it’s readers the best possible experience. Thank you for being a part of the reader community!)