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| Nagrota registers 74% voter turnout, Budgam close to 50 % | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 11: Nagrota and Budgam constituencies exhibited a notable surge in voter turnout during the ongoing by-elections, reflecting diverse levels of civic enthusiasm across the two regions.
Official data underscored a robust democratic exercise, with Nagrota crossing a significant over 74 percent turnout milestone and Budgam close to the 50% mark, despite challenging weather conditions that could have deterred participation.
These figures, as reported by election authorities, signal a strong commitment to the electoral process in both constituencies, with expectations of further increases before polling stations closed later in the evening.
According to detailed statistics Nagrota Assembly Constituency (AC-77) recorded an approximate voter turnout of 74.61 % . This high engagement reflects a vibrant electoral atmosphere, with voters turning out in substantial numbers from the early hours of polling. The constituency, known for its politically active
populace, demonstrated a keen interest in shaping its representation, as men and women, young and old, queued up at polling booths to cast their ballots. Local observers noted that the steady stream of voters was particularly remarkable given the cold temperatures that enveloped parts of the region, underscoring the electorate’s determination to exercise their democratic rights.
In contrast, Budgam Assembly Constituency (AC-27) registered a turnout of 49.89 % around the same time, a figure that, while lower than Nagrota’s, still indicated a respectable level of participation.
Budgam’s turnout, though comparatively modest, was seen as a positive sign in a constituency where voter engagement has historically fluctuated. Authorities attributed the steady flow of voters to effective voter awareness campaigns and the accessibility of polling infrastructure, which encouraged greater participation despite the chilly weather.
The cold conditions, a hallmark of November in Jammu and Kashmir, posed a potential challenge to voter turnout, particularly in rural and higher-altitude areas of both constituencies.
However, polling officials reported that voters braved the low temperatures, arriving at booths in a consistent trickle throughout the day. Many polling stations were equipped with basic amenities to ensure voter comfort, such as heaters in select locations and organized queue management to minimize waiting times.
The resilience of the electorate was evident, with families and groups of friends making their way to polling stations, often turning the act of voting into a communal event marked by discussions about local issues and candidate prospects.
Security arrangements played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the by-elections. A comprehensive deployment of police and paramilitary forces was observed across Nagrota and Budgam, with checkpoints and patrolling units maintaining a peaceful environment.
No significant incidents of violence or disruption were reported, allowing voters to cast their ballots with confidence. Polling officials commended the coordination between security agencies and election staff, which ensured that logistical challenges were addressed promptly, and voters faced minimal hurdles in accessing their designated polling stations.
The by-elections in these constituencies have attracted considerable attention due to the diverse and competitive field of candidates. A total of 17 contenders are vying for victory, representing a range of political ideologies and regional interests.
Among the prominent candidates are Aga Syed Mehmood of the National Conference, Aga Syed Muntazir from the Peoples Democratic Party, and Aga Syed Mohsin of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Other candidates, including independents and representatives from smaller parties, have also added to the electoral contest’s dynamism, making the outcome uncertain and closely watched.
In Nagrota, four prominent candidates namely Divyani Rana of BJP, Shamim Begum of National Conference, Harsh Dev Singh of Panthers Party and Anil Sharma, Independent are in the fray.
The presence of such a varied candidate pool has likely contributed to the heightened voter interest, as residents weigh their options in selecting representatives who will address pressing local concerns such as infrastructure development, employment opportunities, and regional security.
The by-elections are seen as a critical barometer of political sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the context of recent administrative changes and evolving regional dynamics. Both Nagrota and Budgam, though distinct in their demographic and political profiles, are pivotal in shaping the broader narrative of governance in the union territory.
Nagrota, with its higher turnout, may reflect a more consolidated voter base or greater campaign mobilization, while Budgam’s steady participation suggests a gradual but meaningful engagement with the democratic process.
As results are awaited, the turnout figures provide a glimpse into the electorate’s priorities and their trust in the electoral system to deliver meaningful representation. |
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