61.11 pc turnout in violence-free Phase-I Assembly polls in J&K
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 18: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 61.11 pc voting in first phase of Assembly elections held for 24 seats with massive enthusiasm among the voters visible from serpentine queues almost throughout the day today.
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All eight Assembly seats of Doda region in the Jammu division which went to polls today recorded huge turnout with – Paddar-Nagseni and Inderwal constituencies in Kishtwar district remaining at top with above 80 percent polling.
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Kishtwar district recorded the highest 77 percent turnout, while Doda district registered a turnout of 69.33 percent and Ramban district 67.71 percent
In the 2014 Assembly elections, the district wise poll percentage was: Ramban 70 percent, Doda 73 percent and Kishtwar 76 percent.
In Kishtwar district, the Paddar-Nagseni segment recorded the highest 80.67 percent voting followed by Inderwal (80.06 percent) and Kishtwar (78.11 percent).
In the nearby Doda district, Doda West segment recorded 75.98 percent, Doda (70.21 percent) and Bhaderwah (65.27 percent).
In Ramban district, Banihal segment registered 71.28 percent and Ramban 67.34 percent, he said.
Turnout between 75-80 percent or above in four segments of the Doda region is historic, the political observers said. There has been presence of foreign terrorists in mountainous areas of Kishtwar and Doda districts but all this failed to deter the electorates who turned out in large numbers to exercise their right to franchise.
Even in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district where two Army soldiers were martyred last week in an encounter with the terrorists, the turnout was massive with almost 90 pc people coming out to cast their vote.
This was the first Assembly election in J&K after 2014 and following abrogation of Article 370 and grant of UT status to erstwhile State after bifurcation.
Barring one incident of clash between BJP and PDP workers in high-profile Kishtwar seat where former Minister Sajjad Kitchloo (NC) is facing young BJP leader Shagun Parihar, kin of martyrs Anil and Ajit Parihar; polling in all eight seats of the Jammu division passed off peacefully amid tight security arrangements,
Addressing a press conference here this evening after conclusion of Phase-I voting, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Pole said a turnout of about 59 percent — the highest in the past seven elections — was recorded in the first phase of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir today.
However, he said the figures are tentative and there might be a fractional increase after the final reports are received from the remote pockets and postal ballots.
“The elections ended peacefully without any untoward incident,” Pole said.
He said there were reports of some minor incidents of scuffle or argument from a few polling stations but “no serious incident” occurred that could have forced a re-poll.
“The polling percentage of 59 is highest in the past seven elections — four Lok Sabha polls and three Assembly elections,” the CEO said, attributing the increase in the voter turnout to various factors including improved security situation, active participation of political parties and candidates and a campaign by the Election Department.
Pole expressed hope that the remaining two phases on September 25 and October 1 will also see high polling percentage.
Asked about a social media video purportedly showing a policeman losing temper and aiming his gun before being overpowered by his colleagues outside a polling station in Kishtwar, Pole said the District Election Officer and the Returning Officer concerned have taken note and issue was resolved amicably.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended congratulations to the voters of first phase of Assembly elections for the record turnout. He said enthusiastic participation of the electorates is a testament to the strength of Indian democracy and people’s faith in democratic values.
“Heartfelt gratitude to outstanding security forces, JKP and Election officials. Approximately 59 pc polling first phase shows Jamhooriyat is flourishing in J&K. Lone queues of voters in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag demolished the motivated propaganda of the adversaries. People have also rebuffed the agenda of divisive elements and reaffirmed their faith in democracy,” Sinha said in a post on X.
The Election Commission led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu kept a close watch on each and every aspect of the poll process from the very beginning. “Meticulous preparations, clear directions and strong security measures were in place creating a conducive environment for voters to cast their vote without fear or intimidation. Along with webcasting in all polling stations, 32 Central Observers kept a vigilant eye on the election process on the ground, ensuring no disruptions to the electoral process,” an EC release said.
There was not a significant change from 2014 in the voter turnout in the 24 segments that voted in Phase one today.
In the 2014 assembly polls, there were 22 seats in the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian where polling was held on Wednesday.
However, after the delimitation exercise of 2022, two seats — one each in Doda and Kishtwar districts — were added.
The Inderwal segment registered a turnout of 80 percent this time against 75.72 percent witnessed 10 years ago, but neighbouring Kishtwar saw a dip in the turnout from 78.23 percent to 75.04 percent.
Meanwhile, polling remained suspended for half an hour at Bagwan polling station in Kishtwar district following clash between PDP and BJP activists.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, however, said the voting remained unaffected and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident at Bagwan polling station to know the actual facts for taking appropriate action.
The Bagwan polling station is considered to be communally sensitive.
BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal blamed the PDP for the “ugly situation” and said “the goons of the party felt frustrated on seeing long queues of the people outside the polling stations indicative of flourished democracy under Modi-led Government’.
“The PDP workers tried to browbeat the BJP candidate without any provocation. Such things can be expected from a party which has lost its ground in J&K and does nowhere exist,” he said, terming the incident as “unfortunate and undemocratic”.
PDP candidate Firdous Tak, however, refuted the allegations and blamed BJP candidate Shagun Parihar for the problem. He said he was beaten-up by the cops.
Kotwal, who rushed to the scene, said the concerned sector magistrate has been asked to inquire the incident thoroughly and submit his report so that appropriate action will be taken against the erring persons.
“There was some issue on identity cards which was resolved on time. The sector Magistrate is present there and the voting is going on at the polling station peacefully,” he said.
“I came to know from my workers that the BJP candidate had come to the polling station and is intimidating the female voters by checking their identity cards. This is presumed as an attempt by the party to hamper voting.
“I reached there and politely asked her that you are like my sister and daughter as I consider your father as my elder brother and if you have any objection, inform the Presiding Officer,” Tak, a former member of Legislative Council, said.
Ay Bonigam polling station in Ramban Assembly constituency, heavy rains around 5 PM resulted into flash flood in a Nullah surrounding the election booth which panicked the staff on duty. However, no damage was reported.
BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar cast her vote here as she expressed confidence in securing the seat in the Assembly elections.
Shagun (29), whose father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar were shot dead by terrorists in November 2018, said she is confident that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will “achieve a resounding victory in these elections and form a Government in Jammu and Kashmir”.
After casting his vote, NC candidate from Kishtwar Sajjad Kichloo, former Minister remarked on the enthusiasm among voters, expressing their desire for an end to Central rule and the formation of a Government by the people.
Former president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Vikar Rasool Wani was also among the early voters to cast their ballot at a polling station here in Banihal
Former Minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, contesting as an Independent from the Inderwal seat after being denied a mandate by Ghulam Nabi Azad’s DPAP, also cast his vote in the same constituency.
BJP’s candidate from Paddar-Nagseni Sunil Sharma, also a former Minister after casting his vote, said he is confident that the saffron party will form a majority Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the several leaders encouraging voters to come out in large numbers and take part in the “festival of democracy”.
In a post on X, he particularly targeted young and first-time voters in his appeal.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed for a strong voter turnout to elect a Government focused on youth education, employment, and women’s empowerment while combating separatism.
“Pehle matdan phir jalpan”, he said in a post on X, asking people to vote before breakfast.
He encouraged voters to prioritise casting their votes before meals.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also asked people, particularly youth and women, to exercise their democratic rights.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed voters, reminding them of the implications of the state’s status change and urging them to safeguard their rights.
He stressed on the importance of participation for a future characterised by peace, stability, and development.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sought support for the INDIA bloc, calling the election a chance for the voters to reclaim their rights and foster employment opportunities in the region.
He termed the downgrading of the state’s status a “violation of constitutional rights,” urging citizens to vote for a prosperous future.
AC Name Voter Turnout
Pampore 42.67
Tral 40.58
Pulwama 46.22
Rajpora 45.78
Zainapora 52.64
Shopian 54.72
D. H. Pora 65.21
Kulgam 59.58
Devsar 54.73
Dooru 57.9
Kokernag(st) 58
Anantnag West 45.93
Anantnag 41.58
Srigufwara – Bijbehara 56.02
Shangus-Anantnag East 52.94
Pahalgam 67.86
Inderwal 80.06
Kishtwar 78.11
Paddar – Nagseni 80.67
Bhaderwah 65.27
Doda 69.33
Doda West 74.14
Ramban 67.71
Banihal 68
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