NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 09 (NVI): In the Saffron town of Kashmir, Pampore, the Saffron party is finding it tough to garner public support it needs as the seat is all set to witness a thrilling contest between National Conference and PDP.
The constituency has always been a bone of contention among the political parties for not its popularity of being the Kashmir’s Saffron town but being the gateway of Srinagar. Saffron produced in Pampore is world famous not for its fragrance but the taste as well.
For the first time, the local traders of Pampore have fielded an independent candidate Muhammad Maqbool Shah as they believe the constituency has been neglected by all regimes and leaders in the past. “Traders and locals of Pampore asked me to contest elections to serve them. That’s why I joined the fray. I believe people are with me given the fact that Pampore always faced government apathy and neglect despite being famous all over the world for saffron production and rich cultural heritage,” Shah told NVI.
He said had the Pampore been given a proper attention by the previous regimes, it would have been a model town. “But today, the constituency paints a grim picture as roads are dilapidated, heritage shrines are in shambles, youth are unemployed and there is no attention to saffron fields and crop,” he said, adding that “if elected, he will work the welfare of the people and work the 10 point agenda framed by the traders and residents of Pampore.” He admitted that the contest wasn’t easy but “hoped that people will side with him this time as they have tested others in the past.”
The situation on ground zero in Pampore suggests that the seat is up for the direct contest between National Conference candidate Hasnain Masoodi and PDP’s Zahoor Mir. In between, BJP candidate Showkat Gayoor Andrabi is feeling in a tight spot.
Zahoor Mir is the former legislator from Pampore. He had won the seat for PDP and has a strong footing in his constituency as being the local. He hails from Konibal area of Pampore.
However, this time around, NC’s Masoodi, the (Rtd) Justice, is all set to give Mir a very tough battle. Locals believe a very thrilling contest between Mir and Masoodi. “There is a resentment against Mir in some areas for neglecting some pockets and ignoring peoples’ demands but at the same time, he has a good support base in interior Pampore if not in town,” said Manzoor Ahmed, a local resident. “Masoodi too is a strong candidate given the fact that NC has its old cadre in the area that has been activated by the party recently.”
Masoodi, the former NC MP, while speaking to NVI said no contest is a cakewalk. “I have left it to the people. Won’t make any assumptions. Let people decide who is best for them,” he said. BJP’s Gayoor believes people want change and this time they will choose a new face for sure. “Our agenda is clear which is to serve people irrespective of cast, colour and creed,” he said. “BJP’s report card is before the people. Peace is prevailing and economy is flourishing. Now let people decide.”
In Pampore Assembly constituency, there are slightly over one lakh voters of which 49697 are male voters and 50680 are female voters. There are six transgender voters as well in the constituency. The Election Commission of India have identified 120 polling stations in the constituency. (News Vibes of India)
