Independent candidates join electoral battle in Baramulla constituency

Baramulla, Sep 14: As the Baramulla town is in full election mode, the independent candidates have entered into the electoral battle in the Baramulla constituency with new hopes and new promises to the people.

With most of the independent candidates being the first-timers or the new faces for their audiences, all of them vow to prioritise the development of the constituency over political rhetoric and are rallying their campaigns around addressing local issues.

Unlike their counterparts who are contesting on tickets of different political parties and who often engage in scathing attacks on each other over past mistakes, the independent candidates are focused on presenting a vision for the future of the constituency.

Over the past few weeks, the independent candidates throughout their campaigns avoided mudslinging and concentrated on how they could bring tangible change to the constituency.

According to official figures, 28 candidates submitted their nomination papers for the Baramulla Assembly seat.

However, three nominations were rejected, leaving 25 candidates in the fray for the constituency.

During the election campaigns, the campaigns of the independent candidates are notably devoid of discussions on larger, more divisive topics such as the restoration of J&K’s statehood or the broader issue of Kashmir’s political status.

Instead, the candidates focus on local problems - poor roads, inadequate drainage, and the need for a stable electricity supply.

“I am not here to debate the past or raise fingers at any leaders for what they have done during their tenure. My goal is to bring real change in Baramulla town by addressing the issues that matter most to the people,” said Touseef Raina during a public rally.

Raina is contesting as an independent candidate.

Other candidates share the same approach, with basic developmental issues taking precedence over political debates.

Such campaigning has set these candidates more grounded and connected to the constituency’s immediate needs.

“I will not make promises or claim to restore statehood or to get back Article 370. But I can assure you that I will take up local developmental issues with the government. I will also ensure that youth are given opportunities to expose themselves to the outer world,” Raina said.

Another independent candidate during her interaction with the media said the drainage, and condition of the road in the old town and main Baramulla town was pathetic and vowed to come up to the expectations of the people in the constituency.

“Earlier I worked as a ward member and I gave my best despite having limited financial powers. If my people support me in elections I will work in a better way for the whole town to ensure that our constituency will have no complaints about local development,” said Nighat Mir, another independent candidate from the old town.

She vowed to make her efforts to eradicate the menace of drug addiction and revive the old hospital in Baramulla town.

Another independent candidate from the Baramulla constituency, Musaib Lone addressing a public gathering said he decided to contest the election to prove that youth can also bring a change.

“Our area has been always ignored despite having the potential to decide the fate of the candidates in the elections. If I am elected I will work for the development of this area as a tourist spot. I will raise issues of daily wagers and issues faced by the youth,” Lone said.