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The National Conference (NC) achieved a resounding victory in the recent Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, securing seven out of the eight seats in the capital city of Srinagar. This dominance solidifies the party's position as a major force in the region's political landscape. The remaining seat was won by Tariq Karra, the J&K Congress chief, who is a key ally of the NC. This decisive win comes after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had swept five of the eight seats in Srinagar during the 2014 assembly elections. This indicates a significant shift in political sentiment within the city.
The NC's success can be attributed to several factors. The party's strong standing in the valley, particularly its association with Article 370, resonated deeply with the electorate. The NC's campaign focused on appealing to voters' concerns about the impact of the BJP's policies on Kashmir, capitalizing on the public's perceived aversion to the BJP's agenda. Despite the delimitation commission's changes to seat boundaries and names, the NC's campaign proved effective against its opponents, including the PDP, Apni Party (AP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The NC's win was marked by a series of victories in key constituencies. In Khanyar and Eidgah, two strongholds of the NC, seasoned leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul secured wins, respectively, demonstrating their enduring influence. Salman Sagar, the son of Ali Mohammad Sagar, secured a victory in Hazratbal, solidifying the family's legacy in the city. Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi triumphed in Lal Chowk, defeating the Apni Party's Mohammad Ashraf Mir. The lone woman candidate to win from Srinagar was Shamim Firdous, who defeated BJP's Ashok Kumar Bhat in Habba Kadal. The results showcase the NC's strong organizational structure and their ability to connect with voters at the local level.
The elections also highlighted the challenges faced by the BJP and its allies. The BJP, which has been trying to make inroads into the valley, failed to make a significant impact in Srinagar. The Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, also experienced setbacks, with Bukhari himself losing to the NC candidate in Chanapora. This suggests that the BJP's efforts to gain ground in Kashmir are facing strong resistance, particularly in urban areas like Srinagar. The elections also demonstrated the continued relevance of the National Conference in Kashmir, a party deeply intertwined with the region's history and identity. As the region moves forward, the NC's position as a dominant force in Srinagar will likely influence political dynamics across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Srinagar elections underscore the complexities of the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC's victory highlights the importance of local concerns and the need for parties to address these issues effectively. The BJP's struggles in the region suggest that their policies have not been well received by the people of Kashmir. The future of the region will depend on the ability of political parties to build bridges, address the aspirations of the people, and promote peace and stability. The National Conference's strong showing in Srinagar provides a crucial perspective on the political dynamics at play and the challenges that lie ahead for Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: J&K polls: National Conference sweeps Capital Sringar