Over 17.4 lakh eligible voters will exercise their democratic right on May 13, playing a crucial role in deciding the fate of more than two dozen candidates vying for the Srinagar parliamentary seat. A total of 24 candidates, including Agha Syed Ruhullah from the National Conference, Waheed ur Rehman Parra from the People’s Democratic Party, Mohd Ashraf Mir from the Apni Party, Amir Ahmad from the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, and Mohd Yousuf Bhat from the Gana Suraksha Party, are contesting the elections. Hakikat Singh from the JK National Panthers Party (Bhim), Rubina Akhter from the National Loktantrik Party, Younis Ahmad Mir from the Bharat Jodo Party, and 16 independent candidates are also in the fray. The Srinagar parliamentary constituency encompasses Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and three areas of Budgam district, with a registered voter count of over 1,740,015.
Ganderbal district comprises two assembly segments, Kangan and Ganderbal, with a combined voter count of 204,041, including 77,537 in Kangan and 126,504 in Ganderbal. Srinagar, with eight assembly segments—Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng—hosts 748,863 voters. Hazratbal has 108,467 voters, Khanyar 89,814, Habbakadal 92,716, Lal Chowk 103,784, Chanapora 81,266, Zadibal 108,938, Eidgah 59,994, and Central Shalteng 103,884. Additionally, three segments—Khan Sahib, Char-i-Sharif, and Chadoora—account for 287,806 voters, while Shopian contributes 98,933 voters to the Srinagar parliament seat. In Pulwama, consisting of Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, and Rajpora, there are 403,192 voters, with Pampore having 99,239 voters, Tral 97,477, Pulwama 98,713, and Rajpora 107,763. Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency promises to be a focal point in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Once part of the six Lok Sabha seats representing the state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, it now stands as one of the five Lok Sabha seats of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Established in 1962, Srinagar constituency encompasses a diverse range of regions, comprising 15 legislative assemblies, including Kangan, Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Zadibal, Eidgah, Khanyar, Habba Kadal, Amira Kadal, Sonawar, Batmaloo, Chadoora, Budgam, Beerwah, Khan Sahib, and Charari Sharief. Historically, the political landscape of Srinagar has been predominantly shaped by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party (JKNC), securing victory in 10 out of the 13 Lok Sabha elections held here. Notably, the Congress party stands as the sole national entity to have clinched victory in the Srinagar Lok Sabha elections, achieving success in the 1996 polls. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, although affiliated with the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, both JKNC and JKPDP have opted to vie for the Srinagar seat. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Waheed Parra have been nominated as their respective candidates. Conversely, Mohammad Ashraf Mir of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party will be contesting under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banner in phase 4 on Monday, May 13.
“The Srinagar parliamentary constituency encompasses Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and three areas of Budgam district, with a registered voter count of over 1,740,015. Ganderbal district comprises two assembly segments, Kangan and Ganderbal, with a combined voter count of 204,041, including 77,537 in Kangan and 126,504 in Ganderbal. Srinagar, with eight assembly segments—Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng—hosts 748,863 voters. Hazratbal has 108,467 voters, Khanyar 89,814, Habbakadal 92,716, Lal Chowk 103,784, Chanapora 81,266, Zadibal 108,938, Eidgah 59,994, and Central Shalteng 103,884. Additionally, three segments—Khan Sahib, Char-i-Sharif, and Chadoora—account for 287,806 voters, while Shopian contributes 98,933 voters to the Srinagar parliament seat. In Pulwama, consisting of Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, and Rajpora, there are 403,192 voters, with Pampore having 99,239 voters, Tral 97,477, Pulwama 98,713, and Rajpora 107,763. Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency promises to be a focal point in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (JKNC): The leading party in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency has made waves by declaring its intention to challenge the JKPDP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite belonging to the same alliance. Their choice for candidate, former three-time MLA Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, underscores their strategic move. Hailing from a politically influential family, Mehdi boasts deep-rooted ties with the people of Srinagar, a factor that the JKNC appears to be leveraging in their campaign.
Waheed Parra (JKPDP): Shortly thereafter, JKNC revealed their plan to compete for all three seats designated for local parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, following the seat distribution deadlock within the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Following suit, JKPDP also decided to contest all three seats, including Srinagar, nominating Waheed Parra as their 18th Lok Sabha candidate for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. Parra, who emerged victorious in the District Development Council (DDC) elections in 2020, has been unable to assume office due to pending criminal charges against him.
Mohammad Ashraf Mir (JKAP): JKAP nominated their party president, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, as their candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir PK Pole told Kashmir Horizon that preparations for the forthcoming Srinagar Parliamentary Seat elections are now finalized, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) companies having arrived for deployment.
“With over 17.4 lakh eligible voters set to determine the fate of 24 candidates, it’s imperative to ensure that the electoral process remains fair, transparent, and inclusive. As the election approaches, efforts must focus on voter education, security, and candidate engagement to promote informed decision-making and maximize voter turnout. Furthermore, post-election evaluation will be essential to identify areas for improvement and uphold the integrity of future electoral processes. Ultimately, by prioritizing the principles of democracy and fostering continued civic engagement, the Srinagar parliamentary constituency can emerge stronger, with elected representatives who truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people they serve.”
Pole emphasized the steadfast commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted with utmost integrity, transparency, and peace. He stressed the significance of the citizens’ constitutional right to vote, urging all eligible voters to exercise this fundamental right. In his appeal to the electorate of Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Pole encouraged maximum participation in the polling process, describing it as the grand festival of democracy. He said that voting is not just a right but a civic responsibility, urging voters to judiciously select their representatives from the array of political parties or opt for the NOTA (None of the Above) option, should they find it suitable. The Srinagar parliamentary constituency, with an immense voter base of 17.4 lakh individuals, is poised for an intense electoral contest scheduled for May 13th, Monday.
Kashmir Horizon View: In conclusion, the upcoming electoral contest in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency presents a critical juncture for the democratic process in the region. With over 17.4 lakh eligible voters set to determine the fate of 24 candidates, it’s imperative to ensure that the electoral process remains fair, transparent, and inclusive. As the election approaches, efforts must focus on voter education, security, and candidate engagement to promote informed decision-making and maximize voter turnout. Furthermore, post-election evaluation will be essential to identify areas for improvement and uphold the integrity of future electoral processes. Ultimately, by prioritizing the principles of democracy and fostering continued civic engagement, the Srinagar parliamentary constituency can emerge stronger, with elected representatives who truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people they serve.
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