In absence of a BJP candidate, it is expected that a majority of the Pahari vote may go in favour of Mufti. While a large section of tribal population, including some Paharis, support Altaf of NC for his spiritual influence over the community, a deepening wedge between Paharis and Gujjar-Bakarwal is likely to make many Paharis to vote against Altaf. The Gujjar-Bakarwal community had protested against the government decision of giving reservation to Paharis.
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Jammu Kashmir Lok Sabha Polls 2024: The contest primarily revolves around former Chief Minister Mufti and NC’s Altaf Ahmad, a tribal leader, who is also supported by the Congress. Mufti has asked voters of the Union Territory to express their unhappiness over the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution through their votes.
The change in Anantnag s demographic after delimitation has added layers of political complexities to the constituency with Pahari-Gujjar, Jammu versus Kashmir dimensions.
Some parties have claimed bad weather and blocked roads as reasons not conducive to hold election in Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. PDP and NC, however, have alleged conspiracy and requested EC to hold election as scheduled