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| Flags lowered, now it is over to voters | | ‘Modest’ first phase campaign ends, polling in 10 segments on Monday | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 15: Flags have been lowered in ten constituencies, contestants are keeping their fingers crossed and the election officials are on toes as campaigning ended this evening in four districts where polls are being held in first phase on November 17.
As many as 102 candidates are in fray in 10 constituencies. Surankote, Mendhar, Poonch-Haveli in Poonch district; Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari in Bandipore district; Nobra and Leh in Leh district and Kargil and Zanskar in Kargil district are going to polls in first phase.
Chief Election Officer BR Sharma informed here today about the contingency plan in light of snowfall. He said that five copter sorties each have been made in Leh and Kargil districts to airlift the polling parties as well as the polling material today. Similarly, he said that 80 polling personnel have already been airlifted in Gurez constituency while 16 more personnel would be lifted tomorrow, adding that polling personnel will reach their respective destinations by tomorrow afternoon. The CEO said that one polling station has been set up in Leh district for only 5 voters and the polling personnel deployed outnumber the electorate. The CEO exuded confidence that in light of the improved weather conditions, polling process is expected to go on in a smooth manner in all the 25 polling stations which have been established within the Gurez valley.
While briefing the media about the sequence of events about the first phase of polls, the CEO revealed that as compared to the 2002 Assembly elections when only 40 candidates were in fray for these 10 constituencies, 102 candidates are contesting this time, which is a clear indicator of the greater people's involvement in the poll process. Stating that this two-and-a-half time increase was encouraging, the CEO added that there were also three women contesting elections in the first phase of polls.
Replying to a question about EPICs issued to the electors so far, the CEO stated that 42 lakh cards had already been issued, adding that, however, no voter will be deprived of his right of franchise in absence of EPICs and in that case they can use any one of the already notified documents.
Regarding complaints, Sharma said that complaint cells have been set up in all the districts and wherever any complaint is received, proper cognizance and follow up action is taken. So far, 70 complaints have been received, he added. The CEO further stated that 10 Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India are already camping in the respective constituencies.
In reply to a question about the security arrangements for Poonch district, IGP Jammu Zone K Rajendra said all measures for pre-poll and poll-related activities have been made three weeks in advance. So far no militancy-related violence has taken place in the district, he said adding that all the candidates campaigned smoothly in their respective constituencies.
Earlier, Secretary Information, Mr. K.B Jandial, stated that the Information Department media centres have been set up both in Srinagar and Jammu and all district headquarters for quick dissemination of election-related information to the media. Mr. Jandial said that the Information Department has also prepared a comprehensive background data handbook and its soft copy about the J&K Assembly Elections from 1957 onwards. The handbook, he said, will help media persons in better coverage of the elections in the State.
Commenting on the poll campaign in these 10 constituencies going to polls in the first phase, Mr. Jandial said that 233 rallies and public meetings were held during the campaign. These include 177 in Bandipora, 46 in Poonch, 7 in Kargil and 3 in Leh district.
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