| Ahead of polling uncertainty, fear in Srinagar | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Apr 29: Uncertainty, confusion and fear are clearly visible in the prestigious Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, where contesting parties are making last minute door-to-door efforts to woo voters in favour of their candidates.
Though there are 14 candidates in the fray, but the main contest will be between NC president Farooq Abdullah, seeking re-election, and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Tariq Hamid Karra in the constituency, spread over three districts of Badgam, Ganderbal and Srinagar, going to polls tomorrow.
However, there is uncertainty among the conteting candidates whether 1171772 voters will come out to vote because of boycott call given by the separatist organisations and threat held by militants.
The NC and PDP have levelled allegations on each other that boycott would benefit them.
Because of confusion and fear, less number of vehicles and pedestrian movement could be seen today in the areas, where all the 1546 polling stations, barring 55, are hyper sensitive or sensitive because of threat perception.
Business hubs in summer capital Srinagar, which remains flooded with people throughout, also witnessed less number of customers.
Shopkeepers in several city areas have been directed to close their shops early in the evening.
Since 1996, when the first election was held in Kashmir after the eruption of militancy, this district has always witnessed very low voting percentage as compared to two other districts of Badgam and Ganderbal of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency.
This time, political observers have apprehension that voting percentage will drop further because of the drop in polling percentage at Anantnag constituency, which went to polls on April 24.
Electioneering, which ended last evening, was marred by two grenade blasts leaving 17 people wounded.
The ruling NC is seeking votes to prevent BJP's PM nominee Narendera Modi to become Prime Minister of the country while the main opposition PDP and other parties alleged that NC leaders sold the interests of the state for their self interest.
However, the common voter wants to vote for employment, good roads, corruption free society, electricity and water. |
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