||Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh May 19, 2024||

Baramulla/Kargil

*_Synopsis_*

1. **Campaigning Ends in Baramulla**:

# Campaigning for Baramulla constituency ended on Saturday evening.

Among the prominent contenders are National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone, Independent Candidate Engineer Rashid, and Muhammad Fayaz Mir of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Strict measures under Section 144 of CrPC enforced for smooth polling.

#Restrictions from 6 pm on May 18 to 6 pm on May 20.

# 17,37,865 eligible voters to cast their votes.

#Special polling booths: 18 pink (women), 17 PwDs, 18 youth, and 21 green (environmental concerns).

#Peaceful campaigning with minimal MCC violations.

#Voting from 7 am to 6 pm, extended if queues remain.

2. **Campaigning Ends in Ladakh**:

#Campaigning for Ladakh’s lone parliamentary seat ended on Saturday. #Voting scheduled for May 20 across 598 polling stations.

#1,84,803 registered voters in Ladakh UT (88,877 in Leh, 95,926 in Kargil).

#Notable absence of top political leaders during the campaign.

#Candidates: BJP’s Tashi Gyalson, Congress’ Tsering Namgyal, and independent Hanifa Jan.

#Rebellion in Congress and NC units in Kargil, supporting Hanifa Jan. #Ladakh‘s strategic significance and the first polls post-Article 370 abrogation.

The political landscape in the Baramulla and Ladakh regions is poised for a transformative election on May 20, with the culmination of a high-stakes campaign. Authorities in both regions have taken significant measures to ensure a peaceful polling process, emphasizing the critical nature of these elections.

**Baramulla’s Battle for the Ballot**

In Baramulla, the campaign came to a close on Saturday evening, setting the stage for a crucial electoral battle.

Among the prominent contenders are National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone, Independent Candidate Engineer Rashid, and Muhammad Fayaz Mir of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

To maintain law and order, authorities implemented prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, effective from 6 pm on May 18 until 6 pm on May 20. These restrictions aim to provide the 17,37,865 eligible voters in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts with a serene environment, free from any campaigning pressures, as they prepare to exercise their democratic rights.

Innovative measures have been introduced to encourage voter participation from all societal sections. Around 18 pink polling booths will be managed exclusively by women, while 17 booths will cater to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and 18 will be manned by youth volunteers. Additionally, 21 green polling stations have been set up to promote environmental awareness. This multifaceted approach seeks to engage women, PwDs, first-time voters, and the youth, fostering a more inclusive electoral process.

Despite the challenges, the election campaign in Baramulla has remained largely peaceful, with only a few minor violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Chief Electoral Officer, Sherpa, commended the political parties and candidates for their cooperation and disciplined campaigning. Voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm, with provisions to extend if necessary.

**Ladakh’s Lone Seat: A Contest of Historic Proportions**

Simultaneously, the Ladakh Union Territory is preparing for its own high-stakes parliamentary election. Campaigning for the lone Ladakh seat also concluded on Saturday, with voters heading to the polls on May 20. This election is particularly significant as it marks the first parliamentary poll in Ladakh since the abrogation of Article 370 and the region’s designation as a Union Territory.

Ladakh’s electorate of 1,84,803 voters will cast their ballots across 598 polling stations, with Leh district hosting 88,877 voters and Kargil district 95,926. The campaign period saw a noticeable absence of star political campaigners from major parties like the BJP, Congress, and National Conference. However, BJP’s national General Secretary Tarun Chugh and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made brief visits to Leh, underscoring the strategic importance of this constituency.

Three candidates are vying for the Ladakh seat: BJP’s Tashi Gyalson, Congress’ Tsering Namgyal, and independent candidate Hanifa Jan. A significant development has been the rebellion within the Congress and NC units in Kargil, leading to the support of Hanifa Jan by the Ladakh Democratic Alliance, a coalition of various local organizations.

Ladakh’s parliamentary seat is not only the largest in India by area but also holds strategic importance, sharing borders with Pakistan and China. This election will be closely watched as a barometer of the region’s political climate post-Article 370, potentially influencing future governance and development in the newly formed Union Territory.

*Conclusion*

As Baramulla and Ladakh prepare for the pivotal elections on May 20, the stage is set for a democratic exercise that promises to shape the future of these regions. With meticulous planning and a commitment to inclusivity and peace, authorities and voters alike are poised to engage in this critical electoral process, underscoring the enduring strength of democracy in even the most challenging environments.