SRINAGAR: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Naseer Rather, popularly known as “Naseer Botany,” is on track to likely secure a landslide victory in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency, riding on a wave of public support. Rather, who recently left the National Conference (NC) over its alliance with Congress, has gained popularity due to his clean image and principled stand on Article 370, which Congress did not commit to restoring in its manifesto
Rather’s campaign has resonated with voters, particularly the youth, for his commitment to addressing local issues such as unemployment, infrastructure development, and improving healthcare facilities.
“In the last elections, Naseer Sahib was at the forefront of the NC campaign here, and we saw a significant increase in support for the party,” said Hilal Ahmad, a resident of Wanigam village. “When he left NC after they compromised on Article 370, we stood by him. He’s always been dedicated to solving our problems, from building schools to constructing the bridge over the Ferozpora stream.”
In the previous parliamentary elections, AIP secured nearly 21,000 votes in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency, while the NC, with Rather leading their campaign, came in second with around 8,500 votes. However, after the NC handed over the seat to Congress as part of their alliance agreement, Rather resigned in protest and joined AIP. His departure has struck a chord with many who feel let down by the NC-Congress coalition.
“The NC-Congress alliance doesn’t make sense to us, especially since Congress has been reluctant to support the restoration of Article 370. Naseer Sahib’s decision to quit showed he stands for our rights, and that’s why we’re backing him,” said Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Tappar village.
Support for Rather is widespread, cutting across generational lines. “Naseer Rather has been a voice for the young people here,” said Wasim Ahad, a student from Kakothal village. “He’s active in improving education and creating job opportunities. Unlike other politicians, he listens to us and is approachable.”
With a victory expected to require around 12,000 to 14,000 votes, Rather is projected to cross the 20,000 mark, well ahead of his rivals, Congress candidate Irfan Hafeez Lone and the PDP’s Basharat Bukhari. Another prominent figure, Safeena Beigh, who won a DDC seat from Wagoora, is out of the race and instead campaigning for her husband, Muzaffar Baigh, in Baramulla.
Rather’s clean reputation and broad support base have made him the clear favourite in this high-stakes contest, signalling a significant shift in the political landscape of Baramulla district. (KDC)
