Kulgam Constituency Profile: A Tough Battle Ahead for Tarigami
Kulgam, Sep 16, KNT: The upcoming assembly elections in Kulgam constituency are expected to be a closely contested battle, marking a departure from the traditional dominance of CPI(M) leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami. With 10 candidates in the fray, the real contest is between Tarigami and Independent candidate Sayar Ahmed Reshi, former Jamat Islami leader.
Tarigami, a popular leader in Kulgam, faces a challenging scenario due to the recent delimitation process, which has altered the constituency’s landscape. Dozens of villages, formerly part of Tarigami’s stronghold, are now incorporated into either Devsar or Damhal Hanjipora Assembly segments. These villages include Bogund, Mohandpora, Nehama, Agrigatun, Malvan, and Samnu, among others.
However, Tarigami’s prospects may be bolstered by the support of National Conference and Congress party loyalists, as he is backed by the NC-INC Alliance. A senior journalist told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that this factor could be crucial in determining the outcome.
Meanwhile, Sayar Ahmed Reshi, the Jamat Islami candidate, has emerged as a dark horse in the contest. His rallies have drawn massive crowds, indicating significant support among locals. If current trends persist, Reshi may pose a substantial challenge to Tarigami’s dominance.
PDP candidate Muhammad Amin Dar is also in the running, enjoying considerable support in the constituency. Unlike Nazir Laway, the former PDP MP contesting on the Peoples Conference ticket, Sayar Ahmed Dar’s campaign has gained momentum.
As the constituency prepares to go to polls on Wednesday, the outcome remains uncertain. Will Tarigami’s popularity and alliance support be enough to secure his victory, or will Sayar Ahmed Reshi’s rising popularity and PDP’s Muhammad Amin Dar’s support upset the traditional dynamics of Kulgam’s political landscape? Only time will tell. [KNT]
