Pulwama Votes for Change: PDP Aims to Reclaim Lost Ground

PDP candidate Waheed Para expresses optimism as Pulwama voters line up to reclaim their past. Tight security marks the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, with long queues symbolizing the people's hope for peace and progress.

In the Pulwama Assembly constituency, People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Waheed Para remarked on the profound desire for change among the electorate. He emphasized that the election process represents an effort to 'reclaim whatever we have lost.' Speaking to ANI, Para highlighted the stigma associated with Pulwama and voiced his optimism for a promising transformation.

'Pulwama has been stigmatized. This election is an opportunity to reclaim the image of Pulwama, its youth, and its people. We are optimistic about the future. We urge people to vote for peace, progress, development, and the dignity of J&K. Voting is an act of self-preservation for us. People have endured significant losses over the past 6-7 years, and they are yearning for change,' Para stated. He noted that polling stations in Pulwama saw long queues from the early morning hours.

PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan echoed this sentiment, noting that the lengthy queues during the polls reflect the public's response to decisions made on August 5, 2019, which have been deemed inhumane by many in Jammu and Kashmir. 'These queues are a testament to the decisions taken on August 5, 2019. Once the results are announced on October 8, you will see that the people's verdict opposes the decisions of that date,' Bhan said.

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections commenced today at 7 am under stringent security measures. The voting is set to conclude at 6 pm, with long lines of voters evident at polling stations from the morning. This initial phase involves 24 assembly constituencies across the Union Territory, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 seats in the Jammu region.

Subsequent voting phases in J-K are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting to take place on October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)