Ali Asad
Srinagar, Apr 13: As the electoral battleground heats up in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, all eyes are on the significant presence of 81,189 first-time voters, aged between 18 to 19 years who are going to play a decisive role in ensuring victory of the promomient candidates in fray for the crucial parliamentary constituency.
With a total of 1,830,294 voters from all five parliamentary constituencies of the UT, comprising 930,379 men and 899,888 women, the stage is set for a closely contested electoral showdown. Notably, the BJP is yet to announce its candidate for the Anantnag seat, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings.
The race for the parliamentary seat has attracted seasoned veterans, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. Following the seat alliance between the Congress and National Conference (NC), the Congress has ceded ground, leaving the field open for NC candidate Mian Altaf. However, the presence of PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti adds another layer of complexity to the electoral equation.
Adding to the intrigue, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has thrown his hat into the ring, signaling its intent to contest from this pivotal constituency. Zafar Manhas, representing the DPAP, has also entered the fray.
The Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat encompasses a broad spectrum of assembly constituencies, including Jainpora, DH Pora, Doru, Kokernag, Anantnag West, Anantnag, Srigufwara-Bijbihara, Shangas-Anantnag East, Pahalgam, Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Surankote, Poonch Haveli and Mendhar assembly constituencies.
