Baramulla constituency records highest-ever voter turnout of 59%
Previous highest was in 1984 with 58.90% turnout
Improved security, Article 370 abrogation among key factors for high turnout
Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, previously known for its high levels of militancy, achieved a historic milestone with its highest-ever voter turnout on Monday. The seat, where the first parliamentary polls were held here in 1967, recorded a healthy turnout of 59 per cent in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, this time, reports 'India Today'.
The previous highest voter turnout in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency was witnessed in 1984 at 58.90 per cent.
The constituency has 17,37,865 registered voters and there were 22 candidates in the fray, including former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone and jailed head of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid.
The record-breaking voter turnout came against the backdrop of several key factors, including enhanced security, abrogation of Article 370, long-running Governor's rule in the Union Territory and others.
One significant factor was the improved security environment. For the first time in the last three decades, there were zero terror threats and no boycott calls before and during the elections. This created a fear-free atmosphere, allowing common citizens to come out and vote without apprehension.
The abrogation of Article 370 also played a crucial role.
Over the past five years, political activity and election politics had come to a screeching halt, leading to a pent-up demand for the return of democratic processes.
Political activists and workers, in particular, were eager for elections to resume and participated enthusiastically.
Another contributing factor was the public's frustration with bureaucratic control.
People complained that this control limited their access to government offices, and their daily issues and problems were not being resolved as effectively as they would be in a democratic setup with elected representatives. The desire to have elected representatives who could address their concerns motivated many to vote.
Additionally, the 'Engineer Rashid factor' significantly influenced voter turnout.
Abdul Rashid, a firebrand politician from Langate jailed under the UAPA act and popularly known as 'Engineer Rashid', managed to stitch together a very successful campaign despite his imprisonment.
His son led the campaign, which saw a massive response, particularly from the youth. The sympathy factor worked in his favour, leading many areas that had historically boycotted elections to vote this time around.
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