Srinagar: Keeping in view the 2009 Lok Sabha results, a tough fight is expected to be witnessed between ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the three seats of Kashmir valley.
The results that came in 2009 Lok Sabha elections was a result of reciprocity between National Conference and the Congress. While NC benefited by the Congress support in three Lok Sabha seats of the valley, its coalition partner Congress candidates got elected with the active support of the NC voters in Jammu region.
In Srinagar Parliamentary seat, the difference between NC and PDP was of mere 30242 votes. NC candidate Dr Farooq Abdullah had got 1,47,035 while as PDP candidate Molvi Iftikaar Hussain Ansari bagged 1, 16,793 votes in his favour.
The figures reveal that in North Kashmir’s Baramulla parliamentary seat, PDP candidate had given a tough fight to NC’s Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, with the later winning by a margin of 64,814 votes. Shariq had got 2,03,022 votes while as Mohammad Dilawar Mir the then PDP candidate had managed 1,38,208 votes in his favour. Peoples’ Conference lagged behind PDP with 65403 votes in its kitty.
In South Kashmir’s Anantnag Constituency, the difference of votes between NC and PDP was 5224 votes. The winning candidate Mehboob Beigh had got 148317 votes while as PDP candidate Peer Mohammad Hussain garnered 143093 votes in his favour.
Commenting over the past poll results, PDP senior leader Muzzafar Hussain Beigh said that PDP will register win with a very good lead in all the three seats of valley.
Substantiating his claims, Beigh stated that in 2009 parliamentary elections, the people were optimistic about NC and Congress as both had entered into coalition to form a government in the state. “Our supporters were depressed in 2009. Now they are fully enthusiastic as they are aware that the parliament elections will have a direct impact on assembly elections.” Beig added that in 2009, the voter turnout was less and the same always affect the opposition party while as it benefits the ruling one.
Commenting on North Kashmir’s Baramulla Parliamentary seat, Beig stated that he has been associated with the people of the North Kashmir from the last three decades and his personal public image will benefit the party at large in that constituency.
On the other, NC’s Additional General Secretary, Mustafa Kamal claimed that NC will sweep all the three seats in valley. According to him the margin with which NC will win, will be higher than the previous one. “Opposition vote has been divided at present and the fact is that our voters never change sides.” (KNS)