Rameez Makhdoomi
Amirakadal Constituency 2014 Electoral Analysis
The prestigious Amira Kadal constituency of Srinagar has always played a prominent part in the politics of Jammu & Kashmir especially in politics of Kashmir Valley. This constituency is often dubbed to be among the most popular constituencies, as politics in this constituency has had far reaching ramifications on the polity and scenario of the region.
In historic 1987 elections, according to many voices the current chief of United Jihad Council, Syed Salahuddin had won from Amira Kadal constituency but polls were rigged resulting in lot of anger . He along with his polling agents Hameed Sheikh, Yasin Malik, Ashfaq Majeed and Javed Ahmed Mir were arrested, What followed after was that these personas became founders of Kashmir militancy or also called by many pro-liberation war. So considering this veracity many term this constituency the mother of ‘Kashmir Turmoil’.
In last electoral battle, the Amira Kadal constituency election was won by prominent National Conference (NC leader), Nasir Aslam Wani. But in upcoming electoral battle in 2014, this constituency remains highly undecided and could go to any side. Representing the winds of change, Dr.Hina Bhat, a Dentist by profession and a vibrant activist is slated to try her luck from this coveted constituency in 2014 electoral battle. More importantly, she represents youthful energy and dynamism.
Dr. Hina Bhat, while talking to Kashmir Scenario stated -“I want to usher in an era of development and positive feeling in my constituency as currently there is lot of under-development, mess and pain in Amirakadal Constituency. The wishes and aspirations of my people have urged upon me to join the electoral polity to achieve overall betterment for my people . I am not yet hundred percent sure from which political platform I would try my electoral fortunes maybe contesting as independent candidate could be a feasible option.”
Hina believes that traditional political forces have let Kashmir down. “It is a known fact that traditional political forces have by and large letdown the people of Kashmir as they have failed to meet their desired expectations and aspirations. I definitely desire to be an agent of change and I am hopeful that my people will stand with me in my battle.
Considering the mood and feedback from ground, Dr. Hina Bhat looks to be moving towards becoming a formidable force in the electoral battle of 2014 from Amirakadal Constituency. Mohammad Amin, a resident of Ikhrajpora area of the Amirakadal constituency states –“ We are facing multiple problems on developmental front and are highly hopeful that with the entry of energetic Dr. Hina Bhat in the future electoral fray our problems would get a proper heed and this prestigious constituency would witness a new aura of progress and development.”
Unambiguously, with the entry of Dr.Hina Bhat the future electoral battle for the Amirakadal Constituency looks all the more interesting.