Polling percentage dips

Ehsan Fazili

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 22

The polling percentage of 33.84 in the Anantnag bypoll today showed a gradual decline in the voter turnout in the constituency as compared to the last two Assembly elections in which former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was elected.

When Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was first elected from this constituency after he constituted the Peoples Democratic Party 17 years ago, it registered a polling percentage of 41 in 2008, followed by 39 per cent in 2014.

The overall lower polling percentage is, however, being attributed to the Kashmir conflict in the backdrop of the eruption of militancy more than two and a half decades ago.

This time, Mehbooba Mufti had two advantages while going to the electorate — first a sympathy wave after her father passed away while in office and the other as she took over as the Chief Minister in April three months after Mufti’s demise. The elections are being seen as a litmus test for the “unholy alliance” with the BJP, stitched together by Mufti Sayeed respecting the mandate of the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

All eyes are now set on the counting of votes on Saturday which will decide the fate of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who has been relying on the agenda of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for the welfare of the people of J&K and its development. The PDP has shown a gradual upward trend in the last three Assembly elections in 2002, 2008 and 2014.

The lower polling percentage this time has also been attributed to the complacency among the voters since Mehbooba Mufti has already taken over as the Chief Minister. The voter “understands that it is an opportunity to vote for her only despite all political differences as this will help in development of the constituency,” said a resident of Anantnag.

Those voting for the opposition parties feel that the PDP’s alliance with the BJP was an unwelcome step on the part of the Muftis as it had the backing of the RSS. “It is not Vajpayee’s BJP,” said a schoolteacher in Anantnag, adding that many voters have come forward against this “negative” approach of Mehbooba Mufti.