In Kulgam, Tarigami Faces Stiff Challenge from JeI-Backed Candidate Amid Anti-Incumbency Sentiment

Kulgam, September 18:- Known as a stronghold for CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, the scene in Kulgam on Wednesday was markedly different as a significant number of voters showed up at polling stations “for a change,” posing a challenge to the veteran leader.

The voters who had made a beeline outside the polling stations maintained that Kulgam constituency was the “cakewalk” for MY Taragami until Jamaat backed independent candidate Sayyar Ahmad Reshi entered the race.

“There is a neck to neck fight between the two. Only time will decide who will win the seat,” said Saqib Ahmad, a resident of Kulgam.

Tarigami, a four-times MLA has represented the constituency since 1996 after JeI decided not to contest the elections under the Indian constitution.

A political analyst from Kulgam told Kashmir Convener that Jammat has a significant presence of Jamaat voters who would usually vote for PDP candidate but since the JeI has decided to join the fray, their cadres have turned-up in huge numbers to vote for their candidate.

The voter said although MY Tarigami has done a lot of work for the constituency, however anti-incumbency sentiment looms large in the area.

“We want a change this time. He has been there for two decades, now we want to give a change to a fresh face,” said Abdul Rashid, another voter.

The CPI(M) veteran, who is also the Congress-National Conference alliance’s consensus candidate, also faces other candidates from PDP and other parties who are likely to divide votes.

Notably, on 08 September, the JeI orgainsed a massive rally in Kulgam district for Sayyar Ahmad Reshi. The rally was attended by top Jamaat leaders.

The Kashmir Convener team visited all the constituencies in Kulgam where brisk voting were seen since early morning. However, many voters believe that, despite not pushing his leftist ideology in the Muslim-majority district, the leader focused on the welfare of the people, building hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure developments.

“Most importantly he spoke about the Kashmir issue and our identity post abrogation of article 370,” said Firdous Hassan, a research scholar from the district. Adding “He is one of the prominent face of PAGD and tried to keep the group intact in the interest of the people of Kashmir,”

It is pertinent to mention that the Kulgam Assembly Constituency stands as the largest in the district, with 1,17,322 registered voters, including 58,477 men and 58,845 women. A total of 10 candidates are vying for the Kulgam seat, with four running as independents.