In Sopore, not so-friendly contest between National Conference, Congress

Baramulla, Sep 28: Known for its politically charged atmosphere, Sopore is witnessing an unexpected twist in the ongoing Assembly election campaign.

The supposed "friendly contest" between National Conference (NC) and Congress candidates in Sopore constituency has turned increasingly competitive, with tensions flaring as the election day approaches.

As the polling is scheduled on October 1, around 112793 voters-- 55990 males and 56803 females have been registered while 129 polling stations have been set up by the authorities.

As per the official data, Sopore constituency has a total of 20 candidates in the fray, including 14 independents.

Among the party-affiliated contenders are Irshad Rasool Kar of the NC, Abdul Rashid Dar of the Congress, Irfan Ali Lone of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Ghulam Mohammed War from the Apni Party, and independent candidate Mohammad Lateef Dand besides others.

The participation of notable figures like Afzal Guru’s brother and AIP-backed candidate Advocate Mursaleen, alongside AAP candidate Rizwan Ilaahi, has added further complexity to the electoral landscape.

While the NC-Congress alliance was initially seen as a collaborative effort, the campaign has turned increasingly competitive. Irshad Rasool Kar of NC and Abdul Rashid Dar of Congress, who were once expected to run a harmonious race, have found themselves locked in a fierce battle for supremacy. Recently, when Rahul Gandhi held a public show in Sopore, the party candidate accused the NC candidate and its workers of tearing apart the congress flags and posters.

Analysts had earlier predicted a slight edge for the Congress candidate, citing Rashid Dar's previous victory, which relied heavily on votes from Sopore's urban center.

In the past, Dar benefited from a voter boycott in the town, but this time the dynamics have shifted.

As the Phase-III of the Assembly elections is approaching, Sopore town has shown a renewed enthusiasm, with youth engagement hitting an all-time high. The excitement is palpable, as the young electorate, many of whom are first-time voters, prepare to make their voices heard. The festive atmosphere observed during the campaign rallies suggests that turnout could be significantly higher than in previous elections, which could drastically impact the outcome.

The increased voter participation, however, brings its own challenges. The presence of strong independent candidates, including those backed by regional parties and smaller movements, is likely to split the vote. Independents, some of whom have garnered considerable local support, could play a decisive role in the final tally.

In addition to the NC and Congress candidates, PDP's Irfan Ali Lone is also a key contender. Though some observers initially dismissed Lone’s chances, his consistent campaigning and connection with local voters have kept him in the race, making the contest even more unpredictable.

If Sopore town turns out in large numbers on polling day, it could turn over the traditional village strongholds that Abdul Rashid Dar of Congress had relied on in the past.

The higher voter turnout could lead to a broader distribution of votes, potentially weakening Dar's position and offering an opportunity for his rivals, particularly Irshad Rasool Kar, to secure the seat.