Khalid Jehangir addresses the small gathering in Kangan in Ganderbal district.
We had arrived two days before the polling day. This was the last day for campaigning and not many people came out to listen to their leaders due to incessant rain.
Election observers feel that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not perform well in Kashmir in 2019 general elections despite the fact that the party won many seats in last year’s municipal and panchayat (local body) polls. The good performance was a result of the poll boycott call by the two main regional parties from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) — the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
All the poll-related advertisements issued by BJP are green in colour with not even a trace of saffron. People in Kashmir feel closer to green because of its association with Islam and Pakistan. Many believe that green was Prophet Mohammad’s favourite colour. Green is also the colour of the Pakistani flag.
And finally, D Day.
Srinagar reported a total turnout of 14.05 per cent during polls on Thursday. Total turnout in 2017, when NC's Omar Abdullah won the seat, was a mere 7.13 per cent.
Maximum polling booths in state capital Srinagar and outskirts remained empty and looked abandoned as people chose to stay away from polling.
While a massive poll boycott was observed in areas falling under Srinagar old city and Budgam constituencies, Ganderbal district saw low voting.
According to reports, as many as 50 polling stations saw not a single voter turning up. Majority of these booths stood in Khanyar, Habba Kadal and Eidgah constituencies.
The day witnessed total shutdown called by leaders of several Kashmiri separatist groups against the elections, internet gag, clashes and tight security arrangements by the authorities.
All the shops and other business establishments remained shut.
The streets and roads appeared deserted as public transport went off the roads.
Fortunately, no untoward incident took place during polling which was conducted amid tight security due to a boycott call by separatists and threats by militants.
With this, we sign off. Have a great day.
