As the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections unfolds, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir takes center stage in what marks the region's first significant election since the revocation of Article 370. With 24 candidates vying for victory, the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency encompasses Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Pulwama districts, along with parts of Budgam and Shopian districts, boasting a total of 17.48 lakh eligible voters.
Polling commenced at 7 am in Srinagar, aligning with the nationwide voting process across 96 Lok Sabha constituencies. In the aftermath of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where polling encompassed six seats in Jammu and Kashmir, the region underwent a transformation following the bifurcation into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, eliminating the separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh.
With 2,135 polling stations distributed across the five districts of Srinagar, voting is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm. The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party emerge as the primary contenders in the constituency, with Aga Ruhullah Mehdi representing the former and Waheed Para, the youth president of PDP, as the latter's candidate.
Recognizing the importance of security, the Election Commission has implemented stringent measures to safeguard the polling booths in Srinagar. Additionally, special provisions have been made for migrant voters from the Kashmir Division, with 26 dedicated polling stations established, including 21 in Jammu, four in Delhi, and one in Udhampur District.
As voters exercise their democratic rights, the Srinagar Lok Sabha polls serve as a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape post the historic repeal of Article 370.
