First timers opt for vocal Independents
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 11: The bypolls for the Budgam Assembly constituency held today reflected growing discontent among voters with the NC-led Government on one hand, and an apparent shift among young and first-time voters away from traditional parties on the other.
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Throughout the day, Excelsior spoke to scores of people, including first-time voters, who said Independent candidates deserved a chance as a symbol of “change.”
Faisal, a resident of Budgam, said that people have been giving traditional parties a chance for decades, but they have “failed to deliver,” particularly in Budgam.
“In comparison to other areas, our area lags behind in several key sectors. We haven’t seen the kind of development witnessed elsewhere. So, I think there’s a need to look at the other side and give change a chance,” he said.
Another voter in his late 30s, Manzoor Ahmad from Soibugh, said the constituency has repeatedly been pushed backward due to a lack of attention from its elected representatives.
He added that ensuring “change” was the only way to pull Budgam out of the “deficit” it has faced over the years.
“Our elders have repeatedly voted for a single party, but that needs to change now. We’ve reached a point where whoever gets elected ignores us,” he said.
“Look at what happened during the recent Assembly elections-the person who won, despite getting more votes, vacated the seat,” he added
Notably, seventeen candidates are in the fray for the Budgam bypolls, most of them contesting as independents.
During campaigning, largely using the influence of social media, they highlighted the issues faced by people and promised to resolve them on priority if elected.
These candidates have also accused traditional representatives of being inaccessible and indifferent to public concerns, pledging instead to work solely for the welfare of the people.
This narrative has found some resonance, particularly among young and first-time voters, though their overall share remains limited.
On the other hand, Excelsior also spoke to voters who, while expressing disappointment with the NC-led Government for failing to address their issues, were skeptical about the idea of “change” and did not see “credible alternatives” to vote for.
“There are no better alternatives. If those in power haven’t delivered due to constraints, how will these new people do any better?” said Muhammad Yousuf, a voter from Gotpora, Budgam.
These voters also highlighted issues that have persisted for years, stressing that they remain unresolved. However, they expressed hope that, this time, after the assurances given by candidates, their problems might be addressed.
An elderly voter, Abdul Jabbar, questioned the credibility of Independent candidates advocating “change.”
“These Independents have no real base or backing. We’ve seen such people later join established parties. Why waste a vote on those who don’t even have an address?” he said.
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