The Baramulla parliamentary constituency is all set for a triangular contest on April 11 between National Conference, Peoples Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party. The seat was earlier represented by PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baigh who won the 2014 election with a comprehensive majority.
The constituency has evoked a strong interest with theparticipation of Engineer Rashid who has been supported by Shah Faisal, thefounder of the recently launched ‘Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement’.
Although there are 9 candidates in the fray, the maincontest will be between Muhammad Akbar Lone of National Conference, Raja AjazAli of Peoples Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party candidate AbdulQayoom Wani.
Muhammad Akbar Lone has represented Sonawari assembly constituency thrice and has a significance influence in his belt. But the National Conference is banking on its traditional strongholds. A significant voter turnout in its strong areas can counter Peoples Conference which is expected to gain in Handwara and Kupwara areas.
The National Conference will be expecting reasonably good performance in the Pattan assembly constituency this time. The party has already projected Riyaz Bedar as its assembly candidate and with the revamp in the party functioning at Pattan, NC will be expecting a good share of votes from the area.
If NC can manage better performance in areas like Uri,Rafiabad, Tangmarg, Sangrama, Pattan, pockets of Bandipora district, the partycan emerge as a strong contender.
However, Peoples Conference will be a huge challenge. Theparty has nominated Raja Ajaz Ali who has good support in Uri. Ajaz stoodsecond during the 2014 assembly elections, with a share of 19000 votes.
The Peoples Democratic Party is facing severe crisis. ImranAnsari’s exit from the party has reduced its vote share. Besides, Yasir Reshi’ssupport to PC will be a problem for the party.
The PDP will be banking on votes from Baramulla assemblyconstituency where Muzaffar Hussain Baigh has a significant influence. Besides,it is expected to perform reasonably well in Kupwara and Bandipora towns.
However, the most talked about candidate this time isEngineer Rashid whose public gatherings are witnessing huge turnout.
With 9 candidates in the electoral fray, the Baramullaparliamentary constituency with over 13 lakh electors and 15 assembly segmentsis going to polls on April 11. The election authorities have established 1749polling stations at 1387 locations.