Politics picks up pace in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of key elections

Political leaders are busy meeting party workers, holding rallies and conventions across the UT in the run-up to Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, writes Meraj Bhat

After many winters of despair, a spring of hope beckons Kashmir. The bright sunny days replacing the frigid 40-day Chilla-i-Kalan have warmed up the Valley’s frozen political landscape and sparked a flurry of activities among its politicians.
 

Mainstream political leaders are busy meeting party workers, holding rallies and conventions across the Union Territory (UT) to woo voters. They are all agog for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, likely to be followed by the eagerly awaited Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) this year.
 

“We are gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls. We have been meeting people, it’s limited