For phase-I, 145 candidates contesting against 90 seats

Kupwara: District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Kupwara, Anshul Garg Tuesday reviewed the arrangements for phase-I of District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat by-election being held on November 28 in the district.
The DPEO said 03 DDC constituencies viz. Kalaroos, Kralpora and Tangdar are going for polls on November 28 during which all border and hilly areas of the district including Karnah, Keran, Machill, Jumgund and Kumkadi have been covered.
As per the details, 29 candidates are in fray in these 03 DDC constituencies including 06 in Kalaroos, 10 in Kralpora and 13 in Tangdar. Among these 29 candidates, 03 are from BJP, 03 from Apni Party and 01 each from PDP, PC, NC and INC besides 19 Independent candidates are also in fray in these constituencies.
Similarly, the DPEO added that 20 Sarpanch and 96 Panch candidates are contesting on non-party basis from 08 Sarpanch and 79 Panch seats respectively in these 03 constituencies.
The DPEO further said 74683 voters including 39000 males and 35680 females besides, 03 others are going to exercise their franchise in these 03 constituencies.
He also said adequate measures have been taken to ensure security of contesting candidates, polling booths and staff besides all arrangements has been made to ensure smooth conduct of election.
Regarding polling staff, the DPEO said training for phase 1st has been conducted and the staff has been detailed for deployment of duty at their respective locations, adding that polling material and staff for border areas have reached the respective destinations.
The DPEO said Strong Rooms/Counting centres have also been established at ITI Kupwara, JNV Potushai, ITI Handwara and Mini Secretariat Tangdar.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the election shall be held on December 01, 2020, the DPEO added.