The byelection in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 9 was marked by violence and apathy. Protesters clashed with security forces at a number of places, and eight civilians died in the violence.
The Srinagar seat, comprising 15 Assembly segments, spread over the districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, saw around 80,000 votes polled of 12.5 lakh voters, the lowest ever in the past three decades. In 2014, the polling percentage was 26%, compared with 7.14% this time. While the Anantnag byelection scheduled for April 12 was called off, repolling was held in 38 booths of the Srinagar constituency on Thursday, with the turnout even lower, pegged at 2%.
The Chadoora area of Budgam district witnessed prolonged violence, and an abysmal turnout, with most booths remaining empty. “The government failed to provide a conducive atmosphere for the polls,” said National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, joint candidate of the National Conference-Congress alliance from Srinagar, who won the election.
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NISSAR AHMAD