Aayushi Rana 
Baramulla elections
As India’s parliamentary elections approach their concluding phases, the nation stands at a critical juncture. With only two phases of voting left, the anticipation and tension are palpable across the country.
Amidst this, the Baramulla region of Jammu and Kashmir held its voting on 20th May. Concerning the elections, news was shared by Pakistani accounts and media outlets. The news read, “ Kashmiri people rejected the election, demanded freedom & rejected polling marked by increased deployment of Indian troops under the pretext of security.
They said this election is a futile exercise for Kashmiris. The Indian parliamentary election in the Baramulla constituency is marked by increased deployment of Indian troops in occupied Jammu and Kashmir under the pretext of security.”
Fact Check
We investigated the viral claim. During the process, we found media reports dated May 21, 2024, mentioned about the high percentage of voter turnout in Baramulla. According to The Hindu, “A paradigm shift in the voting pattern in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in the Kashmir Valley pushed the polling percentage to 59% by 5 p.m. on May 20, breaking the previous record of 46.65% in 1996.”
Furthermore, the ECI has considered the requests made by the State CEOs and decided to deploy a maximum of around 3,400 companies of the CAPFs in all States and Union Territories in a phased manner to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Conclusion
Henceforth, the viral claim is misleading. Voting in Kashmir has been peaceful and has seen increased Voter turnout this year.
DFRAC Analysis: Misleading
Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui 