The erstwhile Udhampur Assembly seat was once the political heartbeat of the Udhampur district, encompassing a diverse range of voters from both urban and rural backgrounds. This constituency had a rich legacy, playing a pivotal role in shaping local governance and being the focal point for development initiatives. It was also strategically located near the Indian Army’s Northern Command, giving it unique significance in both political and military contexts.
However, with the recent Delimitation Commission’s changes, the Udhampur seat was split into Udhampur East and Udhampur West constituencies. This division wasn’t just a shift on the political map—it marked a new chapter for the people of Udhampur, allowing for more focused representation and development. Long-time residents likely felt the weight of history as their constituency, once united, was reorganized to reflect the evolving demographics and needs of the region.
In the 2014 assembly elections, Pawan Kumar Gupta, running as an Independent candidate, emerged victorious by defeating Balwant Singh Mankotia of the Panthers Party. Gupta garnered 36,226 votes, while Mankotia, a two-term MLA, received 21,576 votes. The BJP candidate, Pawan Khajuria, finished in third place.
