As the 2024 Assembly elections approach, Pampore Constituency, a crucial segment of the Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency, is abuzz with political activity and voter concerns. With 14 candidates contesting, the election promises to be a fierce battle, with major issues at stake.
The main concern among voters’ of this constituency is the decline of the saffron industry. Despite a central government initiative in 2009 investing over ₹400 crore into the National Saffron Mission, local farmers report that many of the 90 bore wells constructed are non-functional, leaving saffron fields without crucial irrigation.
Gulzar Ahmad, a Pampore resident, criticized past elected governments for their failure to rejuvenate the saffron industry. “The promised benefits have not materialized,” he said.
Voter frustration also extends to the perceived neglect of the town.
Javid Ahmad, a local voter, expressed discontent with dynastic politics and the decision to build an AIIMS in Awantipora instead of Pampore, which has been a significant local grievance. The delimitation process has introduced Parigam village into the Pampore constituency, adding over 3,000 new voters.
Abdul Rashid, a long-time temporary worker in the Higher Education Department, highlighted the high unemployment rate and the collapse of agriculture as pressing issues. He called for a change in leadership to address these concerns.
In Kakapora, residents are grappling with poor irrigation systems, inadequate road maintenance, and limited access to clean drinking water. The upcoming election is seen as an opportunity to push for necessary developments.
In the Khrew area, pollution from cement industries and the lifting of the quarrying ban have emerged as critical issues. Local residents, including Javid Ahmad Wani of Ladhoo village, are demanding that candidates address these environmental and economic concerns.
The Pampore Assembly Constituency has 1,00,383 registered voters, including 49,697 males, 50,680 females, and 6 transgender individuals. To facilitate smooth polling, authorities have set up around 120 polling stations across the constituency.
Meanwhile, as the election draws near, voters in Pampore are keenly watching how candidates will address their pressing issues and unmet demands.
Zahoor Ahmad Mir of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who has represented Pampore for three consecutive terms since 2003, is once again contesting. In the 2014 Assembly elections, Mir narrowly defeated NC’s Yawar Ali Abbas Masoodi by a margin of 3,498 votes, after securing victory in 2008 with a lead of 5,148 votes over Congress candidate Mohammad Anwar Bhat.
Earlier he had won 2002 by-election.
However, the 2024 elections present significant challenges for Mir. The newly formed alliance between the National Conference (NC) and Congress is expected to make this election particularly difficult for the PDP.
