- Over 15,000 Staff deployed for Smooth Voting Operations
- Rural Areas See Women Outnumbering Men at Polls
- Live Webcasting Boosts Transparency in Voting Process
- Fierce Competition Marks Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha Seat
- Facilities and Innovations at Polling Stations
As the dawn broke over the majestic landscapes of Jammu and its neighboring districts, the early morning air was charged with anticipation and excitement. The day marked the second phase of voting for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections, a crucial moment for the citizens of the Jammu Parliamentary Constituency. Encompassing the bustling districts of Jammu, Samba, Reasi, and parts of Rajouri, the region was alive with the buzz of democracy, culminating in a remarkable tentative voter turnout of 71.91%. The atmosphere was serene and orderly as the voting day progressed without incident, showcasing the community’s dedication to a peaceful electoral process. Voters arrived in a steady stream at the 2,416 polling stations, each thoughtfully equipped with necessary facilities to ensure a smooth voting experience. In a commendable effort to enhance transparency and accountability, 1,364 of these stations were live-streamed, enabling real-time monitoring and bolstering public confidence in the electoral process. Over 15,000 polling staff, a mix of seasoned and first-timers, manned these stations, their professionalism ensuring the seamless execution of democratic duties from dawn till dusk. From 7:00 am until the final ballot was cast at 6:00 pm, there was a palpable sense of purpose among the electorate, eager to play their part in sculpting the future of their community. The verdant rural landscapes of the constituency told a story of high engagement and determination, particularly among women voters, who in many areas, turned out in numbers exceeding their male counterparts. This significant participation highlighted not only the strength of the democratic spirit but also the empowering ascent of women in the region’s political landscape. The Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat, sprawling across 18 Assembly segments, witnessed varied levels of participation across its diverse terrain. The sacred precincts of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi segment in Reasi District recorded the highest voter turnout at 74.65%, a testament to the devout and civic-minded nature of its residents. Akhnoor followed closely with a turnout of 74.03%, with its historical and strategic significance inspiring a strong voter presence.
“As the curtains drew on the polling day, the Chief Electoral Officer expressed heartfelt gratitude toward all participants for their enthusiastic turnout and extended a special commendation to the first-time voters, ushering them into their roles as active stakeholders in democracy. The successful conduct of this critical election phase in Jammu and Kashmir not only celebrated the robust spirit of democracy but also reinforced the region’s commitment to fostering a participatory and inclusive future, setting a benchmark for the rest of the nation.”
The urban segments, although trailing slightly behind their rural counterparts, were nonetheless buzzing with activity. Jammu-East, Jammu North, and Jammu West registered significant turnout figures of 62.78%, 62.40%, and 58.70% respectively, demonstrating robust urban engagement and a keen interest in shaping the administrative contours of their regions. The political arena was intensely contested, with the incumbent Jugal Kishore Sharma of the BJP, striving for a third term against a formidable challenge from Congress’s Raman Bhalla, who garnered support from the NC and PDP alliances. With 22 candidates in the fray, the electoral battlefield was rife with strategic campaigning and fervent public support, each contender eyeing the pulse of the electorate with keen interest. Chief Electoral Officer, Pandurang K. Pole, oversaw the entire process with meticulous attention from the UT level Command and Control Center in Nirvachan Bhawan, Jammu. His team facilitated a conducive voting environment by ensuring essential amenities at each station—clean water, uninterrupted electricity, accessible toilets, ramps for the differently-abled, and comfortable waiting areas. Innovative electoral practices were also introduced, including pink polling stations managed entirely by women, green polling stations emphasizing environmental sustainability, and booths run by youths and specially-abled individuals, reflecting a progressive and inclusive approach to democracy. As the curtains drew on the polling day, the Chief Electoral Officer expressed heartfelt gratitude toward all participants for their enthusiastic turnout and extended a special commendation to the first-time voters, ushering them into their roles as active stakeholders in democracy. The successful conduct of this critical election phase in Jammu and Kashmir not only celebrated the robust spirit of democracy but also reinforced the region’s commitment to fostering a participatory and inclusive future, setting a benchmark for the rest of the nation.
“The incumbent MP , Jugal Kishore Sharma of the BJP, faces stiff competition from Congress’s Raman Bhalla, supported by alliances with the NC and PDP. Chief Electoral Officer, Pandurang K. Pole, closely monitored the elections, ensuring facilities like water, electricity, and accessible voting for all. The election also featured innovative practices such as pink, green, and youth-managed polling stations to promote inclusivity and environmental awareness. The successful day was a testament to the region’s unwavering faith in democracy and its commitment to a participatory and inclusive electoral process”.
Kashmir Horizon View: The second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections in the Jammu Parliamentary Constituency, encompassing Jammu, Samba, Reasi, and parts of Rajouri, concluded successfully with a high voter turnout of 71.91%. The day proceeded smoothly across 2,416 equipped polling stations, with 1,364 of them being live webcasted for transparency. More than 15,000 polling staff ensured the process ran without interruption from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Notably, rural areas and particularly women voters showed remarkable participation, with turnout in some areas exceeding that of men. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi segment recorded the highest turnout at 74.65%. Despite slightly lower turnouts in urban areas, engagement remained strong, reflecting a robust commitment to the democratic process. The electoral battle was fiercely contested, especially in the Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat, with 22 candidates including key players from the BJP and Congress. The incumbent, Jugal Kishore Sharma of the BJP, faces stiff competition from Congress’s Raman Bhalla, supported by alliances with the NC and PDP. Chief Electoral Officer, Pandurang K. Pole, closely monitored the elections, ensuring facilities like water, electricity, and accessible voting for all. The election also featured innovative practices such as pink, green, and youth-managed polling stations to promote inclusivity and environmental awareness. The successful day was a testament to the region’s unwavering faith in democracy and its commitment to a participatory and inclusive electoral process.
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