A strange seat

As the election dates are drawing closer, Jammu and Kashmir is coming alive with political fervor. The region is witnessing a flurry of rallies, public meetings and road shows. It will be the first major political exercise since the Central dispensation stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its constitutional provisions and split it into two federally controlled territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Among all the five Lok Sabha seats, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the newly carved out Anantnag- Rajouri Lok Sabha seat.

The electoral landscape here is characterized by interplay of geographical and cultural contrasts, adding new dimensions to it. Following the re-mapping of electoral boundaries by the Delimitation Commission, Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu were clubbed with south Kashmir’s Anantnag, Kulgam and parts of Shopian district, making it the first constituency that falls in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

This Lok Sabha constituency is bisected by imposing Pir Panjal Mountain range, making it geographically diverse. The shortest road—Mughal Road—connecting the two areas remains shut for well-nigh six months, rendering the area out of bounds from the Shopian side.

Apart from the geographical disconnect, the people from either side of the divide have different issues and aspirations. Not only are both regions at varying stages of development, but their political interests are also diverged. It will be a huge challenge for the contestants to accommodate the aspirations of both the communities in their electoral agendas.

The vast cultural difference is another factor that sets Rajouri and Poonch districts apart from Kashmir. Additionally, the division between Gujjar and Pahari is also set to add a new dimension to the voting pattern in the region.

The recent inclusion of Pahari speaking population in the Schedule Tribe category has significantly contributed to the chasm between the two communities. The political analysts believe that both the communities will support and vote for different political parties and candidates.

Apart from these complex geographical and cultural contrasts, the Anantnag- Rajouri seat is poised to witness an interesting contest with more political leaders entering the poll fray. After the National Conference announced Mian Altaf Ahmad as its candidate, the newly formed Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) decided to field the party chairman and former Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad.

Azad’s decision to contest the election from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency sprang a surprise for many. Earlier, he had faced a few electoral setbacks in Jammu and Kashmir. In 1977, he contested from Inderwal assembly segment and lost to the National Conference candidate.

The leader even forfeited his security deposit. Similarly, in 2014, he lost his debut parliamentary election from Udhampur Lok Sabha seat to the BJP leader Dr Jitendra Singh.

Azad’s popularity significantly dipped in the Valley after he resigned from the Indian National Congress (INC) and floated his own party. He is seen as BJP’s proxy by his political adversaries.

The PDP, on the other hand, made it clear that the party will enter the electoral fray and contest the Anantnag-Rajouri seat. The BJP, on its part, is keeping its cards close to its chest. However, the rumors mills are buzzing with speculations that the party would support Azad’s candidature.

Diverse cultures, geographical incongruity and multiple contenders vying for the seat are making the contest not only interesting but challenging too. The victory of any party holds significance that transcends mere electoral success.