We once voted for PDP against BJP, they formed BJPDP: South Kashmir residents justify boycott

Shopian: Disappointed by political parties for not keeping their word after elections, many inhabitants of South Kashmir decided not to vote on Friday in the third phase of maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections, KNO reported.

Kaiser Ahmad, a resident of Shopian, said they no longer feel voting, as they have been betrayed every time they repose trust in political parties for fulfilling their prior commitments.

“Last time, we voted in favour of PDP to keep BJP out. Later, the same party aligned with them. All the promises of development and providing jobs proved a hoax,” he said.

Shakeel Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama said Kashmiris over the years have tested every party but no one has met their expectations.

“Even BJP, after the abrogation of Article 370, said they will bring development and provide jobs. Over one year has passed but no promises have been kept,” he said.

Meanwhile, a handful of voters who did cast their vote said they were “bound to do it” as the candidates contesting the elections were their relatives.

“Our family has never taken part in elections but one of our relatives is contesting the election this time, so we were forced to vote in his favour,” Waseem Ahmad said.

Another voter, Shareefa Banoo, said that she too voted as one of her relatives was contesting polls.

“After we heard that BJP workers are casting votes, we decided to vote in favour of our relative. At least he will bring development in the area as compared to the BJP candidate,” Banoo said. (KNO)