Veterans, newcomers, party defectors clash for political supremacy in Eidgah

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Eidgah constituency, though small in terms of voter population, is bracing for an intense political showdown.

On September 25, a staggering 61,885 voters—comprising 31,094 men, 30,789 women, and two transgender individuals—will head to the polls to decide who will represent them in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

With 13 candidates vying for the seat, the stage is set for a fierce contest, as seasoned politicians, party defectors, and fresh faces battle for the constituency’s future.

Spread across 75 polling stations, voters in Eidgah will play a pivotal role in determining the fate of some of the region’s most well-known political figures.

Leading the charge is National Conference (NC) stalwart Mubarak Gul, who has held this seat for decades. A political heavyweight, Gul first won the constituency in 1983 and has been an undefeated force since 1996, clinching victories in 2002, 2008, and 2014. However, this time around, Gul’s journey is fraught with challenges. Internal murmurs within the NC saw some protests against his candidacy, with voices advocating for new leadership. Nevertheless, the party ultimately rallied behind the veteran politician, and Gul hit the campaign trail with vigour.

Standing in his way is Khurshid Alam of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), a candidate hoping to make a mark in Eidgah after shifting from the Khanyar constituency.

Former Trade Leader Alam's political journey has been eventful, having briefly parted ways with PDP in 2019 to join the People's Conference, only to rejoin his former party ahead of these elections. He now hopes to secure his first seat in the J&K Assembly, positioning himself as a strong alternative to Gul’s long-standing leadership.

Adding to the competition is Arif Majeed Pampore, the candidate for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has strategically chosen to contest only a few seats in Srinagar. By fielding Pampore in Eidgah, the BJP hopes to challenge the dominance of traditional regional parties and gain a foothold in the region.

The contest also features an eclectic mix of independents and representatives from smaller parties, ensuring a truly diverse electoral battle. Independent candidates include Muhammad Faheem Reshi, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Irfan Ahmad Shah, Shakeel Ahmad, Rouf Ahmad, and Imtiyaz Ahmad. In addition, Nisar Ahmad Dar is running on a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ticket, Mehraj ud Din Ahenger represents the Samajwadi Party, and Muhammad Ashraf Palpori is standing for the Apni Party. Irfan Ahmad Matoo is contesting for the People's Conference.

For Mubarak Gul, this election represents more than just another victory—it’s a test of his continued relevance in a rapidly changing political landscape. For his opponents, this is a rare opportunity to upset a long-established leader. As the voters of Eidgah prepare to cast their ballots, the constituency is poised to witness one of the most thrilling political contests in recent memory.