Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 25 : First-time voters in central Kashmir’s Budgam district expressed their hopes for employment and lower electricity bills as they cast their ballots on Wednesday.
Speaking to the news agency at various polling stations, these voters expressed frustration over the rising unemployment rate in Jammu & Kashmir, saying there is a dire need for a comprehensive employment package. They said that recent years have seen more job losses than new hires.
Yasir Ahmad, a first-time voter from Gundpora, Budgam and a master’s graduate from Kashmir University, said that approximately 1.1 million youth in J&K are unemployed. “I voted so that unemployed youth like me can find work,” he said. He expressed concern over inflation and frequent hikes in electricity tariffs and urged the winning candidates to focus on lowering these costs.
Sharik Ahmad, another first-time voter from Sheikh Pora, Budgam, said he voted for development and job creation. “I want our resources to benefit local residents and for the unemployment rate to decrease,” he said.
A scholar voting at Zabikullah, Budgam expressed hope that their collective voice would reach the assembly. “J&K has faced numerous issues, especially unemployment, over the past decade. I voted for the first time so that our concerns are heard,” he said.
Other first-time voters shared similar feelings saying they are unemployed despite holding degrees. They expressed optimism that their chosen candidates would address their expectations and bring attention to the pressing issues in the assembly rather than mislead it.
“We hope our candidates will truly represent us,” they said.
