Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Nov 26: There has been a dull poll campaigning by the candidates in fray for the first phase of District Development Council (DDC) commencing on November 28, across South Kashmir with political leaders expecting at least 25 percent voter turnout at least.
The south Kashmir districts didn’t witness any major public convention or rally by political parties to lure voters.
“Given the prevailing atmosphere in South Kashmir, the campaign has remained confined to closed door meetings only,” a political leader, who is contesting DDC polls, said.
He said actually elections are conducted in a hurry and people were yet to come out of the shock of scrapping of special status of J&K.
Raja Waheed, a PDP leader, who is contesting DDC election from Shopian on PAGD ticket said: “We have been conducting door to door campaign, however, no big gathering has been managed yet as environment isn’t safe for big rallies,” he said.
He said that voter turnout will depend on first phase and if people will come out in phase one, other people will follow suit and at present as the condition is voter turnout must remain around 25 per cent. “If that happens, it would be enough for us,” he said.
District President BJP for Pulwama Sajad Raina, who is also contesting elections from Pulwama-1 said that PDP, NC can’t campaign as they have done nothing for the welfare of the people when they were in power. “Arrangements are very well here and every candidate is allowed to move freely for campaigning. I think voter turnout will remain around 10 to 15 percent,” he said.
Showkat Gayoor, Apni Party leader, who is also contesting elections said that “we are not allowed to campaign freely and our campaign has remained mostly confined to phone calls and messages.”
He said that it would be enough if the voter turnout will even touch 15 to 20 percent in DDC polls given the situation in South Kashmir.
National Conference leader Mukhtar Ahmad Bhand, who is son of former Minister Muhammad Khalil Bhand, also contesting elections said that people must come forward to stop BJP as “our everything is being snatched by them.”
He said that by giving mandate to PAGD candidates, can stop BJP from snatching “our more resources and can get back our own identity which was snatched on August 05 last year.”
He said: “I think voter turnout will remain around 10 percent given the situation in the area and campaigning has remained confined to indoors so far.”
Javaid Ahmad, a leader of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement, said: “They is disparity in arrangements as well settled politicians are freely allowed to me. However, new people are being kept confined to their rooms.”
The voting for first phase of DDC election is scheduled to be held on November 28—(KNO)
DDC polls: Dull campaigning across South Kashmir
