*Reigniting Democracy: Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra’s Night Campaigns for Mehbooba Mufti Light Up South Kashmir**

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh May 24, 2024||

In an unprecedented move that has taken South Kashmir by storm, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader, Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra, has initiated a trend of nighttime campaigning that has captivated the region and reinvigorated the political climate. Parra’s daring and novel approach comes as a breath of fresh air in the ongoing parliamentary elections campaign, which concluded on Thursday.

**A Leader’s Return to the Forefront**

Parra’s return to active politics is nothing short of dramatic. Jailed for over two years following the controversial abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on charges of abetting militancy, Parra has emerged as the only leader willing to brave the night to connect with voters. His decision to campaign in the late evening hours has not only broken traditional molds but also symbolized resilience and dedication, particularly poignant in South Kashmir, a region long affected by militancy.

**Torchlight Processions and Electrifying Slogans**

As night descends, Parra and his enthusiastic party workers light up the streets with torchlight processions. The sight of illuminated rallies winding through the towns and villages of South Kashmir is both symbolic and practical, capturing the imagination of the populace. Slogans echo through the darkness as the campaign weaves its way through Srinagar-Pulwama, Parra’s own constituency, and further into Anantnag-Rajouri, where party president Mehbooba Mufti is vying for votes.

**Reaching the Heart of South Kashmir**

Last night, Parra’s campaign trail led him to Manzgam, a remote village in Kulgam district. Addressing a highly charged gathering, Parra’s message resonated deeply with the villagers. This visit was just one in a series of similar nighttime events held across Bijbehara, Mufti’s hometown, as well as Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Srinagar.

**Innovative Campaigning and Grassroots Engagement**

Parra’s campaign is not limited to torchlight rallies. He also engages in door-to-door visits, distributing manifestos and pamphlets, and personally explaining the significance of voting. This grassroots approach, combined with the novelty of nighttime campaigning, has rekindled interest in parliamentary elections. Abdul Ahmad, a 70-year-old resident of Bijbehara, remarked, “We don’t remember any candidate in the past 35 years campaigning at night. This is something unique.”

**A Renewed Interest in Democracy**

The impact of Parra’s campaign is palpable. Despite good turnouts in the 2008 and 2014 Assembly elections, parliamentary elections have historically seen voter apathy. This time, however, Parra’s innovative methods have stirred a newfound enthusiasm among the electorate. For the first time in 35 years, there is a noticeable shift in public interest towards parliamentary elections, a testament to the effectiveness of Parra’s night campaigns.

” *Reigniting Democracy: Parra’s Night Campaigns Light Up South Kashmir* “

In a landscape often shadowed by conflict, Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra’s nighttime campaigning for the PDP is a beacon of hope and renewal. His efforts have not only set a new trend but also revitalized the democratic spirit in South Kashmir. As the region marches towards the May 25 polls, the echoes of torchlight processions and Parra’s impassioned speeches linger, marking a significant moment in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir.