Devsar, a strategically located assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, presents a unique blend of political, social, and economic dynamics, making it a crucial player in shaping the region’s political narrative. Syed Batool Andrabi jots down a comprehensive profile of the constituency
With the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Congress in a ‘friendly contest’ the assembly election in the Devsar constituency of Kulgam will be interesting. Four major players are in the fray, and it is too early to predict who will take the trophy home.
The constituency was represented by Mehbooba Mufti’s Mamu, Sartaj Madni twice but he lost it to Congress in 2014. It is now JKNC versus Congress versus PDP versus DPAP.
One of the 90 constituencies that make the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Devsar in Kulgam presents a unique political landscape. Encompassing three tehsils – Qaimoh, Frisal, and Devsar – this diverse region plays a pivotal role in shaping the district’s political narrative.
This constituency serves as a microcosm of the area’s complex political climate and diversity. Characterised by its heterogeneous populace and notable electoral engagement, Devsar transcends its geographical boundaries to embody the socio-political and historical fabric of the region. Its distinctive blend of communities and active electoral participation renders Devsar more than just a physical location; it is a dynamic entity that mirrors the intricacies of the area’s political, social, and historical environment.
Geographical Context
Most of Devsar is located on either side of the national highway. The excellent road connectivity ensures easy accessibility for residents and visitors, making it a significant hub of trade and business. Devsar, a notable portion of this region, stands out for its distinct characteristics.
The belt is home to revered shrines dedicated to Hazrat Khan Sahab and Hazrat Ameer Kabeer and various Hindu temples such as Mata Tripura Sundari, and Khanabaran. The region’s varied topography significantly contributes to its natural beauty, boasting lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and meandering rivers.
Devsar is the extreme of the plans as the Pir Panchal range shadows it. Historically parts of Devsar, especially Qazigund have remained the main base camp for managing the Banihal Pass. From the days of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Tunnel in the early sixties to now having a world-class road tunnel and an impressive railway tunnel connect the region to Banihal. A torturous travel of many hours has been reduced to a few minutes.
Areas which fall in Devsar constituency include PCs 27-Devsar, 28-Bona Devsar, 29-Kilam-Buzgam, 30-Hablishi, 31-Nipora, 32-LaramGanipora, 33-Chowgam, 35-Razloo, 36-Waitengu, 37-Sopat Tengpora, 62-Oral in Tehsil Kulgam; and PCs 18-Vesoo, 19-Nasoo-Badargund, 20-Panzeth, 21-Kurigam, 23-Qazigund with NAC in Doru Tehsil. In simple terms, this constituency comprises Qaimoh, Frisal and Devsar Tehsils.
Demography
According to the 2011 census, the population of Devsar stands at 143722. A closer examination of the demographic breakdown reveals that only two Scheduled Castes (SC) people live in the constituency against 7308 people who are Scheduled Tribes (ST). The 2019 voter list enumerates 90,969 registered voters, spread across 114 polling places. A gender-wise analysis of the voter base reveals a near-parity, with 56,199 male voters and 56,175 female voters, in addition to 7 transgender voters.
Notably, the voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, at 16.82 per cent, was significantly lower than the 64.64 per cent recorded in the 2014 assembly elections, indicating a marked decline in electoral participation.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the votes that JKPDP and JKNC polled had a difference of a few hundred but were numerically lost by PDP.
As per the 2024 revised rolls, Devsar has 112381 voters of whom 56175 are females and seven from the third gender.
Economic Significance
The Devsar is renowned for its diverse agricultural produce, which significantly contributes to local markets and sustains consumption. As highlighted in the Economic Survey of Jammu and Kashmir, concerted efforts are underway to bolster agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern techniques and targeted government support programs.
Besides, the region presents considerable potential for tourism development, which could further augment the local economy. The economy of Devsar is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture and horticulture serving as the primary sources of livelihood for a substantial number of residents, underscoring the sector’s vital role in shaping the local economic landscape.
However, a sizable chunk of the population is linked to transport and hospitality, given the arterial highway and the rail passing through it. In the last decade, the area has witnessed massive expansion around the road.
Political Landscape
Devsar constituency has witnessed intense electoral battles in recent years. In the 2014 assembly elections, Mohammed Amin Bhat of the Indian National Congress (INC) emerged victorious, defeating PDP’s Sartaj Madni by a margin of 1511 votes, securing 20,162 votes.
In contrast, the 2008 elections saw Madni triumph over Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah of JKNC by a margin of 4001 votes, garnering 14,175 votes.
For the 2024 elections, 11 candidates have submitted nominations. During scrutiny, one candidate – Abdul Bari Naik’s nomination was rejected, while another candidate withdrew voluntarily. This has left nine in the fray. The key contenders are Sartaj Madni (JKPDP), Amanullah Mantoo (INC), Mohammad Amin Bhat (DPAP) and JKNC’s Peerzada Feroze Ahmad. Bari Naik was an Associate Professor and was sacked by the government. He had submitted his nomination for Lok Sabha and that was also rejected. However, his brother, Abdul Rouf Naik’s nomination papers have been accepted by the Returning Officer.
History
Devsar is a general category constituency and encompasses multiple Patwar Circles including Devsar, Bona Devsar, Kilam-Buzgam, and others.
The constituency has seen various electoral battles over the years, with notable candidates previously holding significant political positions.
Barring twice when the JKNC candidate was “elected” unopposed, Devsar was represented by Ghulam Hassan Parry in 1972, JKNC’s Ghulam Nabi Kochak in 1977, Ghulam Ahmad Shah in 1983, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad in 1987 and 1996, Sartaj Madani in 2002 and 2088 and Congress’s Mohammad Amin Ahmad in 2014.
Thus, the Devsar constituency stands as a microcosm of the electoral and political complexities in Jammu and Kashmir, encapsulating both the aspirations and the electoral realities faced by its populace. It continues to be a focal point for understanding the intricate fabric of local governance and political representation in the region.
This election, the alliance is contesting against each other. The Congress’s face in 2014 has switched over to Ghulam Nabi Azad’s party now. So, Congress is battling against JKNC and its erstwhile candidate. This is expected to make the contest a direct one between JKNC and JKPDP.
Read Profile of Other Assembly Constituencies
Kulgam, Devsar, Noorabad (DH Pora), Shopian, Zainpora (Wachi)
