Low Srinagar turnout reaction to Centre’s normalcy narrative: Omar Abdullah

Uri, Sep 26: National Conference (NC) Vice President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah attributed the low voter turnout in Srinagar during the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls to a reaction against the Centre’s portrayal of normalcy in J&K.

His remarks came after the second phase of polling on Wednesday saw a voter turnout of over 56 percent with Srinagar witnessing a low voter turnout of 29.81 percent while the first phase held on September 18 saw an estimated 61.38 percent voter turnout.

“There was no boycott call, no terror threats or intimidation of the voters. So, to be honest, I was expecting a higher turnout. The lower turnout especially in the eight assembly segments of Srinagar district was because the Centre tried to present the high voter turnout in the first phase as a sign of normalcy, showing as if the people had accepted the revocation of Article 370. It seems this was a reaction from the people of Srinagar because people of Srinagar do not want to send the wrong message,” Abdullah said talking to media persons in Uri.

He criticised the Centre for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the elections, suggesting that it backfired, as Srinagar residents were hesitant to be showcased in this manner.

However, Abdullah thanked those who voted.

A delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the US, Norway, and Singapore, on Wednesday observed the assembly polls in J&K.

Abdullah said that normally the districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara had been high voter turnout areas traditionally even during adverse conditions and there was no reason for it to be any different this time.

“Traditionally, the people of north Kashmir which include Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts have overwhelmingly participated in the polling in the past elections. I am sure they will participate this time too in large numbers and will vote for NC and wherever NC has not fielded a candidate, they will vote for Congress,” he said.