Independent candidate Dilip Pandit, vying for the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, exudes confidence in his electoral prospects, emphasizing his commitment to social justice for all. Pandit, currently residing as a migrant in Jammu, expressed certainty in the support of the community, asserting his assured victory in the upcoming general election.
Lacking a political background, Pandit’s foray into politics stems from a desire to address pervasive injustices faced by the populace. He remarked, “These political people have harassed our people a lot. I have no political background but I entered politics to ensure social justice for all.” His candidacy aims to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocate for their rights.
Kashmiri pandit families residing in Purkhoo camp migrant colony also showering love on pandita, Sanjay Tikoo a young boy says, “we are hopeful that he wins and would do something for us”
The Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency encompasses 16 assembly segments, including Tral, Pampore, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag. Scheduled for polling on May 7, with vote counting slated for June 4, the constituency represents a pivotal battleground for electoral outcomes.
In the previous parliamentary elections of 2019, Hasnain Masoodi from Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKN) secured victory with a margin of 5.35 percent, prevailing over his closest rival Ghulam Ahmad Mir from the Congress. Notably, JKN and Congress garnered vote shares of 32.17 percent and 26.83 percent respectively. In 2014, Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) emerged victorious, while Mirza Mehboob Beg, also from JKN, clinched the seat in 2009.
Anantnag’s voter turnout has witnessed fluctuations over the years, recording 8.98 percent in 2019, 28.84 percent in 2014, and 27.1 percent in 2009.
With polling in Jammu and Kashmir spanning the first five phases from April 19 to May 20, the electoral landscape brims with anticipation as candidates vie for constituents’ support in shaping the region’s political trajectory.