In Baramulla constituency, despite past fear from terror attacks and election boycott warnings, voting was carried out with enthusiasm. The constituency, featuring 22 candidates including National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, saw the highest voter turnout of 59 percent in Monday's Lok Sabha elections.
Baramulla, known for its sensitivity, had a voter turnout of 34.6 percent in 2019, a significant rise from 5.48 percent in 1989. On Monday, voters eagerly lined up at polling stations starting at seven in the morning. The Election Commission noted this enthusiasm across more than two thousand polling stations in the four districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Budgam.
In Srinagar constituency, voting for the first time post the abrogation of Article 370, the pre-poll voter turnout was approximately 38 percent. However, Baramulla surpassed this record with its high participation. Notable candidates in the fray from Baramulla include National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, People's Conference President Sajad Gani Lon, and Awami Ittehad Party's 'Engineer Rashid' contesting from jail.
In Ladakh, voter turnout was strong, with figures reaching 68.47 percent by 5:00 pm and expected to hit 75 percent. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended a 66-day fast demanding Ladakh's statehood restoration, cast his vote in Leh district's Ulyaktopo village.
Voters in Baramulla expressed a desire for candidates who can address local issues such as unemployment, high electricity bills, and poor road conditions. Additionally, many voters highlighted the importance of holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir promptly.
