Kishtwar voters torn between local, national issues

Srinagar, Sep 13: Known for its famed saffron fields and hydroelectric power projects, the Kishtwar assembly seat is witnessing a high-stakes triangular contest as the region prepares for the upcoming elections.
The National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are all fighting for victory, with voters torn between local and national issues.
The NC and PDP are focusing on key local concerns, including the employment of local youth in hydro power projects, unannounced power cuts, and the lack of free electricity in surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the BJP is banking on national issues such as security and development to attract voters.
Historically, the Kishtwar assembly seat, created in 1962, has been dominated by the National Conference, which has won six times. The Congress has also had a strong presence, securing three consecutive victories, while the BJP has only won once — in 2014, when Sunil Sharma defeated two-time MLA Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo of the NC by a margin of 4.63 percent votes. This year, the election will be held on September 18 as part of the first phase of voting.
Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, the joint candidate of the NC and Congress, is once again a key contender, seeking to reclaim his seat. Kichloo, the son of three-time MLA Bashir Ahmed Kichloo, has already served two terms. On the other side, the BJP has placed its hopes on Shagun Parihar, the niece of martyr Anil Parihar, a significant choice aimed at appealing to voters through the lens of security and development. The PDP has fielded Firdous Tak in this tightly contested race.
Kishtwar is not just a political battleground; it also reflects the region’s struggle for development. Despite housing four major hydroelectric projects — Rattle, Kiru, Kawad, and Pakka Dool — local residents continue to face unannounced power cuts and limited employment opportunities. The electricity produced in Kishtwar is sold to other states, yet the people living near these projects receive no free electricity and inadequate compensation for land acquired for the projects. While local engineers have found jobs, their salaries and benefits remain far below those of engineers from other states, fuelling resentment.
The once-thriving saffron cultivation in Kishtwar has also seen a decline, with production dwindling in recent years. Locals are calling for renewed attention to the industry, which has been a hallmark of the region.
Meanwhile, the Chaugan ground, which has hosted many significant political events over the years, is now in dire need of conservation. Locals argue that the ground should be developed with facilities like an open-air gym to encourage community use. Traffic congestion in the main market is another pressing issue, with residents calling for the construction of a circular road to alleviate the jams.
As election day approaches, Kishtwar’s voters are grappling with a mixture of hope and frustration. Development, security, employment, and infrastructure improvements remain the key issues on their minds. With three major parties competing for the seat, the outcome of this election will shape the future of this pivotal constituency. (KNO)