On Monday, Srinagar’s polling center witnessed a momentous occasion, achieving a record 36.58% voter turnout by 8 pm, a milestone acknowledged by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and various stakeholders. This remarkable turnout, praised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), involved voters from Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian constituencies, indicating a renewed trust and enthusiasm in the electoral process.
This election, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, saw a doubling of candidates, with 24 vying for representation compared to the previous 12 in 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the impressive turnout to the newfound empowerment post the Article 370 abrogation, particularly emphasizing the active participation of the youth. Lieutenant Governor Sinha commended the collaborative efforts ensuring the smooth conduct of polling, underscoring the voters’ dedication to democracy and the constitution.
The absence of zero voting reports across 2,135 polling stations highlights the increasing engagement and confidence in the democratic process. Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief, hailed the turnout as a strong endorsement of democracy’s resilience in Kashmir following the Article 370 abrogation.
The significant voter engagement observed in Srinagar reflects a broader trend across India, with the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessing a turnout of 62.9% across 96 constituencies. With 1,717 candidates in contention and 17.7 crore eligible voters, the democratic spirit continues to shape the nation’s political landscape.
