 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 24: After the ending of the campaigning for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, all eyes are now on the upcoming polling day, scheduled for May 25. The electoral battle in this geographically challenging constituency has drawn significant attention, with key players vying for victory.
The three prominent contenders in this race are Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference, and Zaffar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party.
Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not contesting the polls directly, but its interests remain high in this battleground.
The Anantnag-Rajouri constituency spans the Pir Panjal range of Jammu province, covering both the Rajouri-Poonch belt and the Anantnag-Kulgam region of the Kashmir division. In 2022, the constituency boundaries were redrawn, leading to combining Anantnag in South Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region.
The BJP sees this constituency as a crucial opportunity to make inroads into the Kashmir Valley. Earlier this year, the Indian Parliament passed a bill granting Sched The three prominent contenders in this race are Mehbooba Mufti , Mian Altaf Ahmad and Zaffar Iqbal Manhas
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not contesting the polls directly, but its stakes remain high in this battleground.
The BJP sees this constituency as a crucial opportunity to make inroads into Kashmir.
The electoral battle lines have been drawn along ethnic divisions, with Paharis on one side and Gujjar-Bakerwals on the other.
The electoral battle lines have been drawn along ethnic divisions, with Paharis on one side and Gujjar-Bakerwals on the other.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti enjoys a strong base in Anantnag district which is her home district. She aggressively campaigned in the twin border districts that have successfully attracted a significant section of Paharis and Gujjars, emphasizing unity between these communities.
Despite initial hesitation, the BJP is actively campaigning in this constituency.
In the Pir Panjal districts, BJP leaders and activists, including National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, have been on the ground, seeking support for the Apni Party’s candidate Zafar Iqbal Manhas.
Beyond immediate electoral gains or losses, the BJP’s primary objective is to cultivate the recently designated Scheduled Tribe community of Paharis as a loyal vote bank.
The party aims to establish itself as a formidable force in a region that has long been considered impregnable. The Pahari vote is pivotal to this mission. | 