J&K Assembly polls: Rain plays spoilsport in election campaigning but candidates continue outreach

J&K Assembly polls: Rain plays spoilsport in election campaigning but candidates continue outreach

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 30 (NVI): The continuous rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has hit the election campaigning leaving the candidates in the fray worried.

The much awaited Assembly polls are taking place after a decade in J&K in three phases from September 18. BJP candidate from Bijbhera Assembly segment Sofi Yousuf told NVI that he is really short of time as only 15 days are left for campaigning.

“Rains have disrupted the campaigning even though I along with workers are trying our best to keep the momentum going. It is very difficult to reach out to people amid intense rains,” he said and hoped that that weather improves in a day or two.

On the other hand, PDP candidate Iltija Mufti, daughter of former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, had a face to face contact with her opponent Sofi Yousuf in Bijbehara this morning. The workers of both PDP and BJP resorted to massive sloganeering and later dispersed peacefully.

“This is real democracy. Everybody in the fray has a right to campaign,” Yousuf said.
This election is also proving to be very challenging for the independent candidates as they are yet to receive their symbols. Aijaz Mir, who is fighting as an independent from Wachi constituency of Shopian, said there are over 90 villages in his constituency and it is very difficult to cover all in campaigning. “Earlier, we are already short of time as only 15 days are left to campaigning and now rains are playing spoil sport. Rains have added to the challenges we were facing. I am yet to receive the symbol. When can I print posters and erect my banners,” Mir said. “Now were are left with no option other than to continue campaigning even in rains.”
National Conference candidate Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri said that weather has always been an important factor whenever there were elections in J&K. “Shortage of time is a big challenge for us as we have to cover a vast area which is impossible in just 15 or 20 days. No matter how intense it rains, we have to continue our outreach despite facing difficulties in moving from one place to another. There is no other option,” he said—News Vibes of India)

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