Srinagar registers lowest turnout at 29.24%, Turnout surpasses 52.17% from Lok Sabha polls
“SMVD Assembly constituency in Katra records highest turnout at 79.95%”
“Final phase on October 1, vote counting on Oct, 8”
Srinagar: More than 56.05% of eligible voters participated in the second phase of polling for 26 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections today. The process was peaceful, with no incidents reported across the region, officials confirmed.
At a press conference, J&K Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole announced that the turnout was 56.05%, although it remained tentative as polling continued in areas like Hazratbal and Reasi.
“The turnout stands at 56.79% so far, with overall peaceful polling. Some foreign delegates visited polling booths and expressed satisfaction with the process,” he stated.
Polling commenced at 7 AM and continued until 6 PM. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout across six districts during this phase was 52.17%, while today’s turnout reached 56.05%.
The highest participation was recorded in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Assembly constituency at 79.95%, with Reasi district showing a high of 74.14%. Other notable turnouts included Poonch at 73.78%, Rajouri at 69.85%, Ganderbal at 62.63%, and Budgam at 61.31%. Srinagar had the lowest turnout at 29.24%, although polling was still underway.
Pole noted, “No incidents warranting a repoll were reported, and no polling booths had single-digit turnout. Srinagar’s percentage during the Lok Sabha elections was 24.83%, surpassing that by 5% this time.”
Phase 1 of the assembly elections previously saw a turnout of 61.38% across 24 Assembly Constituencies. In this phase, 239 candidates, including 233 men and 6 women, contested across 3,502 polling stations in six districts: Budgam, Ganderbal, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Srinagar. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, ensured smooth polling without any disturbances.
“This election is ‘history in the making,’ echoing through posterity. The voting process across 26 ACs was peaceful,” Pole remarked. Young voters reflected hopes for peace, democracy, and progress, with over 1.2 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19 participating.
Pole emphasized the importance of security measures, which created a conducive environment for voters. “Webcasting was in place at all polling stations to ensure transparency,” he said, showcasing visuals of voters patiently waiting to cast their ballots.
Ganderbal district reported a turnout of 62.42% by 6 PM, with Kangan (ST) seeing 71.82% participation and Ganderbal constituency at 56.60%. Security forces, including Ganderbal Police, facilitated smooth polling.
In its communication, the Election Commission of India highlighted accessibility as a key focus, with Rakesh Kumar, a bronze medalist from the recent Paris Paralympics, casting his vote at Mata Vaishno Assembly Constituency. Special provisions were made for Persons with Disabilities, with one polling station in each AC staffed by disabled individuals and 26 managed by women.
The picturesque Dal Lake provided a scenic backdrop, with voters arriving by Shikara to cast their votes. Voting took place in a peaceful atmosphere, free from fear or intimidation.
The ECI also set up 55 Border Polling Stations for voters near the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts, ensuring that remote areas could participate in the electoral process. Special arrangements were made for Kashmiri migrant voters at 24 polling stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi.
To streamline the voting experience, the ECI abolished the cumbersome Form-M for migrant voters, allowing self-certification. Home voting facilities were introduced for individuals with physical limitations, enabling many voters over 85 and those with disabilities to vote from home while ensuring the process remained transparent and confidential.
The Election Commission also established 157 special theme-based polling stations to enhance voter participation, catering specifically to women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), promoting eco-friendly practices, and ensuring inclusive elections.
In total, 25 lakh eligible voters cast their ballots for 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts today. The final phase of polls is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting taking place on October 8.
