Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Oct 08 : In a remarkable political turnaround, Irshad Kar of the National Conference (NC) has emerged victorious in the Sopore Assembly constituency, securing a massive margin of 20, 356 votes, with Er Rashid’s AIP-backed candidate Mursaleen finishes with distant second.
According to the news agency, Kar’s win, which saw him claim 26, 975 votes, signals the end of the dominance of Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, a two-time MLA from the Indian National Congress (INC), who managed only 5, 167 votes, while Awami Ittehad Party (AIP)-backed independent candidate Mursaleen Aajir trailed behind with 6, 619 votes, finishing second in a hotly contested race.
This victory makes Irshad Kar the only candidate across Jammu and Kashmir to win by such a large margin in the 2024 elections, marking a decisive moment for the political landscape in Sopore, a region with a historically complex and volatile political history.
From Hurriyat stronghold to electoral fervour
Sopore, long known as a Hurriyat Conference stronghold and the home base of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was synonymous with separatist sentiment for decades. The town has often been referred to as the “separatist bastion” of Kashmir, particularly during Geelani’s era, where pro-independence sentiment ran deep. The separatist leader’s influence over Sopore, with his repeated boycotts of elections and strong anti-establishment stance, kept electoral participation at low levels.
However, the voter turnout this year was notable, reflecting a shift from the past where separatist ideologies dominated local discourse.
Kar’s Promise of Change
Speaking to reporters after his historic win, Irshad Kar attributed his success to the people’s growing desire for change and development. “This win is not just a victory for me, it’s a victory for the people of Sopore who have been yearning for good governance and progress,” Kar said.
He criticized the misgovernance and neglect the region had suffered in recent years under the previous leadership, vowing to work towards the upliftment of Sopore, a town long neglected in terms of infrastructure and economic development.
Kar emphasized his commitment to addressing the pressing issues faced by the people of Sopore, including unemployment, lack of healthcare facilities, and underdeveloped infrastructure, while promising to end the political stagnation that has gripped the town for over a decade.
A stunning defeat for INC’s Abdul Rashid Dar
The defeat of Haji Abdul Rashid Dar marks a dramatic shift in the political dynamics of Sopore. Dar, who had served two terms as MLA, saw his political reign crumble as voters decisively backed Kar’s promise of development and change. The INC leader’s loss by such a significant margin, clearly suggesting the public’s dissatisfaction with his tenure and their desire for new leadership.
AIP fails to make a mark
Mursaleen Aajir, an independent candidate backed by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), finished second but fell far short of challenging Kar’s dominance. Despite significant campaigning efforts, Mursaleen’s platform failed to resonate with a majority of voters, further highlighting the shift away from smaller regional parties toward larger political movements like the National Conference in Sopore.
