SRINAGAR, Sept 26: In a recent statement, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah attributed the low voter turnout in Srinagar during the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls to a public reaction against the Centre’s attempts to portray normalcy in the region. Following Wednesday’s polling, which recorded a turnout of over 56 percent—down from the 61.38 percent seen in the first phase on September 18—Abdullah expressed disappointment, noting that he had anticipated a higher turnout given the absence of a boycott call and the lack of intimidation or threats against voters.
Abdullah criticized the central government for its efforts to frame the voter turnout as an acceptance of the revocation of Article 370, suggesting that the lower numbers may reflect a desire among Srinagar residents to avoid sending what they perceive as misleading signals. “This could be a response from the people of Srinagar, who do not want to be utilized in this way,” he remarked during a press conference in the Uri border town of Baramulla. He expressed gratitude for those who did cast their ballots, regardless of their chosen candidates.
Further, Abdullah pointed to the Centre’s decision to invite foreign diplomats to observe the polling process as another misstep. He speculated that the invitation was intended to highlight a robust voter turnout in Srinagar as evidence of significant change in the region. However, he argued that this approach backfired, resulting in decreased participation as residents were wary of being portrayed as endorsing the government’s narrative. A delegation of diplomats from 16 nations, including the United States, Norway, and Singapore, was present to witness the assembly polls.
As a candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Abdullah is actively campaigning in districts scheduled for polling in the third phase on October 1. He noted that Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara have historically shown strong voter turnout and expressed optimism that this trend would continue. “These districts have participated enthusiastically in past elections, and I hope they will do the same this time,” he stated, with a personal preference for voters to support the National Conference, while also encouraging votes for the Congress in areas where NC candidates are not running.
While the districts of Budgam, Ganderbal, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri recorded turnout figures exceeding 60%, the Srinagar district witnessed a stark contrast, with only 29.81 percent of eligible voters participating in the election.