Keen contest expected between PDP and NC.
Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency is one of the six seats in Jammu and Kashmir. It is likely to see a keen contest between the two regional powerhouses, National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress and BJP are also in the fray. In total, nine candidates are contesting.
This seat in North Kashmir has been a long happy hunting ground of NC, but in the last election, it was PDP candidate Muzaffar Baig who had the last laugh. Baig is not contesting election this time after a lacklustre term as a Parliamentarian. In the past, National Conference stalwart Saifuddin Soz has won the seat four times.
The major candidates in the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla are Mohammad Akbar Lone of NC, Abdul Qayoom Wani of PDP and Haji Farooq Ahamd Mir of Congress. BJP candidate MM War will hope to improve the vote share in a seat where the party got paltry 1% vote in the last election.
Already there has been controversy with NC candidate Lone justifying pro-Pakistani chant something which has been criticised by PM Modi too. Firebrand MLA Engineer Rashid also known for his radical views is in the fray as an independent. While on paper NC looks strong, Raja Ajaz Ali of People Conference may cut enough vote for PDP candidate to have a realistic shot at winning from Baramulla.
PDP has suffered major erosion of power after its tie-up with BJP. While Mehbooba Mufti is now attacking BJP daily and has queered the pitch over possible abolition of Article 370, it will be a challenge for her to get back credibility among the voters.
In total, there are over 13 lakh eligible voters in Baramulla LS spread over 15 assembly segments which are Karnah, Kupwara, Handwara Langate, Uri, Rafiabad, Sopore,Gure, Bandipora, Sonawari, Sangrama, Baramulla, Gulmarg and Pattan. These assembly segments are located in Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora districts which are badly hit by insurgency.
So security forces will have their task cut out to ensure a safe election.Also with turnout likely to be modest, finally which party can get its supporters to come to the polling booth may just decide the fate of this seat. Baramulla goes to polls on April 11.
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