Flourishing democracy! Srinagar accepts PM Modi’s developmental approach with a rise in voter turnout; LG Manoj Sinha wins people’s hearts
SALIL RAINA
(POONCH TODAY NEWS)
SRINAGAR: Gone are the days when Srinagar used to witness poll boycott calls that were given by separatist forces and terrorist organizations. For the first time in more than three decades, the prestigious Srinagar constituency witnessed a rise in voter turnout (39%), which is an indication that the people of Srinagar have accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s developmental approach. People were jubilant as long queues were seen at maximum polling booths.
Adequate security arrangements were made by the security agencies. At some places, security personnel were seen helping elderly people, and this gesture was also appreciated by all. This was the first time since 1984 that huge voter enthusiasm was seen, as youngsters were seen happy after casting their votes. For smooth polling, the government set up 2135 polling stations in five districts, namely Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam, Shopian, and Ganderbal, for the voters. Before this election, Srinagar constituency witnessed 73.51 percent polling in 1984 and 40.9 percent in 1996. After that, this constituency witnessed extremely low voter turnout due to terrorist threats and separatist poll boycott calls. The Srinagar constituency witnessed 30.06% in 1998, 11.90% in 1999, 18.60% in 2004, 25.60% in 2009, 25.90% in 2014, and 14.43% in 2019. But this time, the rise in voting percentage of 39% indicates that there is no place for pro-Pak Hurriyat ideology anymore as the people have accepted the abrogation of temporary articles 370 and 35-A and also appreciated the visionary and developmental agenda of the union government. After decades, people of Srinagar are seen enjoying themselves by passing their time during the night hours at several places, creating an atmosphere that was not imagined by anybody before the abrogation of the special status. People earlier used to live in fear of militancy. This massive shift in the mindset of the people is attributed to the policies of the Union government and the LG administration. For the first time during the last more than three decades, there was not any type of poll boycott call given by any Hurriyat forces. During the last four years, the government of Bharat has taken huge developmental initiatives in Srinagar. The tourism industry also witnessed unprecedented growth. A sense of nationalism has started growing in Kashmir with the arrival of tricolor everywhere. Muharrum procession was taken out after decades. Minorities in Kashmir were also seen taking part in processions for their religious festivals. Famous Lal Chowk and Dal Lake areas were developed on modern lines by the government of India. The LGs administration, led by Manoj Sinha, won people’s hearts and left no stone unturned in bringing about massive changes in the mindset of people from a developmental point of view. It’s also a big victory for the security forces, as the election was held peacefully without any incidents of law and order. PDP candidate Waheed Parra also acknowledged the fact that things have changed drastically in Kashmir during the last four years. The rise in voting percentage after three decades is a clear indication that the people of Srinagar love flourishing Indian democracy and have rejected separatist ideology and love to be recognized as proud “Bharatvasis.”