By Shruti Vyas from Srinagar
The election fever has gripped Srinagar. All around, the talk of politics is in the air. Instead of voicing their grievances, the city’s residents are more engrossed in discussing and speculating which candidate is the best. The rumor mill is running hot, with a new story or prediction surfacing every minute. Even the weather is unusually warm for September, adding to the intense atmosphere. People are keenly forecasting results, with both curiosity and excitement in the air. There’s a strong spirit of participation, though the electoral mood is quieter than usual, making it hard to predict which way the tide will turn.
Every corner of the valley is vibrant and beautiful, with a captivating atmosphere. For instance, on the afternoon of September 22nd, the National Conference held a Shikara rally on Dal Lake. Usually, the lake and its surroundings are packed with tourists, but today, it buzzed with election activity and paraphernalia. In Srinagar, flags and posters aren't displayed on autorickshaws; instead, they adorn the shikaras floating on the Dal Lake.