| Independent candidates stay away from LS polls in J&K | | In 2004, 8 independents were in fray in 2019 their number declined to zero | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 26: The participation of independent candidates in every election is gradually decreasing in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the details available with Early Times in the 2014 elections, eight candidates contested from this region, including three independents.
Experts attribute this decline to the challenges associated with contesting parliamentary elections independently, including increased expenses.
In the parliamentary elections of 2004, 21 candidates vied for seats from this region, with eight being independent. Thirteen political parties, including Congress, BJP, and National Conference, also fielded candidates. However, by the 2019 elections, the number of candidates had significantly decreased, with only five contesting, none of whom were independent.
In the Jammu-Reasi parliamentary constituency, formerly known as Jammu-Rajouri, independent candidates now rarely contest elections. In 2004, 26 candidates contested from this seat, including 15 independents. However, the number of independent candidates d Experts attribute decline to the challenges associated with contesting parliamentary elections independently.
Trend suggests that while voter enthusiasm remains high, candidates prefer to contest elections under the banner of political parties.
After 2014 parliamentary elections this trend is not unique to the Jammu division but is observed across various regions.
Contesting elections independently requires significant resources, including manpower and finances.
The decline in independent candidates is evident in both parliamentary constituencies of the Jammu division.
In the 2019 elections, out of 11 candidates, only one was an independent. This trend suggests that while voter enthusiasm remains high, candidates prefer to contest elections under the banner of political parties. Furthermore, smaller political parties are also less visible in recent parliamentary elections in the region.
“After 2014 parliamentary elections primarily involve national parties. This trend is not unique to the Jammu division but is observed across various regions. Contesting elections independently requires significant resources, including manpower and finances. Moreover, geographical constraints in the Jammu division make it challenging to reach all areas, further reducing the number of independent candidates. As a result, independent participation in parliamentary elections continues to decline,” said an observer. |
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