Srinagar, June 5, KNT: National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi won the Srinagar parliamentary constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating Peoples Democratic Party candidate Waheed Ur Rehman Parra by a margin of over 1.88 lakh votes.
Ruhullah secured around 3.56 lakh votes, accounting for 52.8 percent of the total, while Para polled approximately 1.68 lakh votes, or 24.9 percent.
Both candidates drew significant support from youth during the campaign, particularly on issues related to Article 370 and control over local resources.
The National Conference retained the seat, continuing its long-standing electoral presence in Srinagar, where the party has remained dominant for decades.
The constituency has historically been associated with the party’s founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who drew large public support in the region.
Since 1984, the National Conference has represented Srinagar multiple times, except in 1996 and 2014.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which recorded a turnout of around 14.4 percent, NC president Farooq Abdullah had won the seat.
The 2024 election was held after delimitation, which altered the constituency by adding the Shopian segment and four segments from Pulwama while removing two segments from Budgam.
This election witnessed higher voter participation compared to previous polls, with no major boycott calls reported.
The campaign period saw active outreach, including late-evening campaigning, which had been largely absent in earlier years.
During the campaign, Waheed Parra had urged voters to participate actively and send a message through the ballot.
He said people should not allow their silence to be misinterpreted and called for greater democratic participation.
Despite organizational challenges after 2019, the PDP candidate secured a notable vote share, particularly in parts of central Kashmir.
Reacting to his victory, Ruhullah Mehdi said he was aware of the responsibility that comes with the mandate.
“I am humbled and will take your voice to Parliament, representing your sentiments with sincerity,” he said.
Waheed Parra, accepting the result, said the election reflected a renewed expression of public voice.
“Kashmiris, after years of silence, have spoken through their votes to reclaim their voice,” he said.
Social media platforms also saw reactions from users expressing expectations related to development, justice and employment opportunities. [KNT]
