49% Power: Women's Role Vital in Jammu and Kashmir Polls

Number of Women Voters Rise in Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for upcoming five-phase elections, women are poised to become key players in reshaping region's political landscape. Constituting 49 per cent of voting population, y are expected to wield considerable influence, challenging historically male-dominated political norms in Muslim-majority region.

In recent years, re has been an increase in women's voter turnout and recognizing importance of encouraging female participation, authorities have announced plans to establish pink polling booths staffed entirely by women across all districts of Union Territory for upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“ surge in women's electoral participation signals a significant shift in Indian politics, with women voters constituting nearly half of total electorate. trend is evident not only in national elections but also in local body elections, such as Panchayat elections, which have witnessed a significant rise in women’s voter turnout,” Said vocate Abdul Rashid Hanjoora.

Despite se vancements, historical milestones serve as reminders of journey ahe. In first J&K assembly election of 1951, no women were registered as voters. However, it wasn't until 1972 that women me ir debut in J&K assembly, that year, ten women submitted nominations, six contested, and four emerged victorious, elevating state assembly's women’s representation to a mere 5.33 per cent.

However, record remains unbroken even 52 years later, with women currently constituting roughly 49 per cent of registered voters in Jammu and Kashmir. 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw only two women contestants among 61 male candidates.

While dates for upcoming Lok Sabha polls have been announced by Election Commission of India on March 16, exact count of women candidates will be revealed once J&K parties announce ir nominees.

It is anticipated that major parties such as BJP, PDP, Congress, and Apni Party will each nominate at least one female candidate for five Lok Sabha seats in Union Territory. NC Former MLA and National Conference Women’s Wing President, Shameema Firdous, emphasized crucial role of women's participation in progress of both state and country.

“Women's participation is essential for progress of both state and country. However, whenever BJP sees women excelling in politics, y eir incarcerate m or disqualify m through ir tactics,” she said.

Firdous raised concerns about treatment of women in politics by certain parties, citing instances of intimidation and false allegations against women leers who oppose m.

“Take, for example, what happened to K Kavita or Mahua Moitra, simply because y were exposing BJP and standing up against m, y were met with false allegations and ultimately sidelined,” she said.

Speaking on Nari Shakti Bill, Firdous expressed scepticism about its effectiveness, stating that BJP's actions contrict its purported commitment to women’s empowerment. “We talk about Nari Shakti Bill,” but reality is that BJP does not accept true empowerment for women.  Nari Shakti Bill is merely a face. Whenever this empowerment raises its voice, it is silenced and its proponents are imprisoned."

She expressed hope for increased female voter turnout in upcoming elections, particularly among women in Jammu and Kashmir who she believes will vote against BJP's politics. “I am hopeful that in upcoming elections, a large number of women in Jammu and Kashmir will cast ir votes. y will not only vote but will also vote against BJP's politics,” said she.

Meanwhile, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson, Dr. Syed Darakshan Andrabi, emphasized significant participation of women and first-time voters in upcoming polls, attributing it to changes in J&K following abrogation of Article 370.

“All will vote. Even when turnout was low, around 50-60 per cent of voters were women. Similarly, this time, youth and first-time voters will participate in biggest festival of democracy. Both genders will participate in a significant way,”.

She said, “Earlier, due to hartals, stone pelting, and threats from terrorist/separatist groups, voters/people were confined to ir homes. But after abrogation of Article 370, scenario in valley has changed,”.

She credited initiatives by Prime Minister for empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir, leing to a sense of peace and security among women since 2019.

“Women's empowerment has occurred due to initiatives taken by Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, such as self-help groups, startup projects, etc,”.

When questioned about BJP's stance on fielding women candidates, Andrabi stated that party's decisions remain uncertain until announced by parliamentary board.

“Wher it's about candidates or mandates, it's uncertain who will be chosen. Let's see whom parliamentary board will select,” .

However, she acknowledged positive impact of recent government policies in fostering a sense of security among women in valley.

“Since 2019, women have felt a sense of peace of mind. Earlier, y would always worry if ir son or husband would return home late after 5 PM. After 2019, everything has changed, and a sense of peace and security has been provided by Modi government,” she said.