The fifth phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections 2024 concluded on Monday with a historic voter turnout in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) data, the Baramulla constituency witnessed a record-breaking turnout if over 59 per cent.
This turnout marks a significant increase from previous years. Notably, following the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a noticeable rise in voter participation, with Baramulla now recording the highest turnout in the constituency’s last 40 years of parliamentary election history.
In the 2009 parliamentary polls, Baramulla saw over 41 percent voter participation, which dropped to 39.13 per cent in 2014 and further to 34.57 per cent in 2019.
Baramulla’s voter turnout not only surpassed the 1996 record of 46.65 percent but also demonstrated the highest participation rate since 1984. Among the 18 Assembly constituencies under the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Handwara registered the highest turnout with over 72 percent of votes cast.
Regarding the contestation, key candidates in the Baramulla constituency include Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir People Conference (JKPC) leader Sajad Gani Lone, Independent candidate Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
PM Modi and HM Shah laud the increased turnout
The increased voter turnout has been attributed to the abrogation of Article 370, which has instilled a renewed sense of hope among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, his shift suggests a growing acceptance of their integration into the Indian democratic process and a commitment to development and growth.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have praised the highest voter turnout in 40 years, viewing it as a strong response to critics of the abrogation of Article 370. They have lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their enthusiastic participation in the democratic process.
The record turnout in Baramulla is seen as a significant milestone in the region’s electoral history, reflecting a positive shift towards greater political engagement and civic responsibility.