In a significant shift in voting patterns, the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Kashmir Valley witnessed an unprecedented 59% voter turnout by 5 p.m. on May 20, far exceeding the previous record of 46.65% set in 1996. This remarkable increase was driven by the participation of women, family members of active militants, and even members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). The massive turnout, which included the highest turnout in Sopore in three decades, reflects a thirst for development and a desire to address concerns such as water and power crises, job verification processes, and the denial of passports for relatives of militants.