Record Turnout of 60.63% as Voters Demand Development and Improved Facilities

Bandipora Votes for Change, Seeking Better Roads and Healthcare

In a display of remarkable enthusiasm, voters in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district turned out in record numbers for the parliamentary elections for the Baramulla constituency, achieving a voting percentage of 60.63%, the highest in decades.
Residents from villages such as Chitteybandy, Gojerpati Aragam, Aloosa, Malangam, Ajas, and others lined up early at polling stations, driven by a desire to address long-standing issues and push for development. Many voters expressed hopes for better roads, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Arif Ali, a 36-year-old voter from Chitteybandy, lamented the poor condition of roads in his area. Similarly, 19-year-old Muskan Khan from Ajas highlighted problems with electricity, water supply, and healthcare, voting with the hope that new representatives would address these concerns.
Rehana, another voter from Malangam, voiced the need for better healthcare facilities, noting that even minor medical cases are referred to the District Hospital Bandipora. She hoped that the election would bring a change in this scenario.

Akaash, a youth from Srinagar, emphasized the importance of voting for strengthening democracy at the grassroots level. He hoped the elected candidate would focus on employment, industrialization, and tourism development, areas where Bandipora holds significant potential.
While young voters sought better employment opportunities, the older generation prioritized improved roads, healthcare, and essential utilities. Ameer ud din, a 75-year-old voter from Chitteybandy, expressed his long-standing disappointment with unfulfilled promises but continued to vote out of a sense of constitutional duty.

The elderly and the first-time voters alike expressed hopes for a brighter future. Shabir Ahmad from Aloosa stated that basic facilities like roads, water, and power supply remain inadequate in his village and surrounding areas.

Despite the tight security, long queues of enthusiastic voters were seen throughout Bandipora. The district recorded a 60.63% turnout, with Sonawari witnessing 64.61%, followed by Bandipora at 60.24%, and Gurez at 40.82%