Baramulla witnesses record voter turnout in J&K’s Phase 5 polls.
The northern Baramulla parliamentary constituency in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its highest-ever voter turnout for a Lok Sabha election on Monday. As per data released by the Election Commission of India, over 55% of the electorate in Baramulla cast their votes during the Phase 5 polls held in the state.
The strong participation of voters comes despite calls by certain separatist groups for election boycotts. Political experts see it as a triumph of democratic processes in the face of disruptive forces. Office of Lieutenant Governor of J&K took note of the robust turnout and hailed people’s unwavering faith in democracy.
Top leaders from various political parties also praised Baramulla voters. PM Modi tweeted his appreciation for the high voter turnout in the constituency and complimented the residents of Baramulla on their unbreakable commitment to democratic values.
According to available ECI figures, voter turnout during Lok Sabha polls has steadily risen in Baramulla over the past three decades. It was just over 5% in 1989 but had crossed the 40% mark by 2004. However, 2019 saw by far the highest participation, with over 55% of the electorate casting their franchise compared to 34.6% in the previous general election.
The seat is witnessing a triangular contest between the National Conference’s sitting MP, Omar Abdullah, JKPC candidate Sajjad Lone, and PDP nominee Mir Mohammad Fayaz. The results will help determine the political mood in the Kashmir Valley, where people have reaffirmed their faith in electoral democracy through record polling numbers.
