Peaceable polling amid excessive safety
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: The primary part of the three-part J&Ok meeting elections recorded a voter turnout of 59% throughout 24 constituencies Wednesday, masking seven districts in south Kashmir and Jammu division on both facet of the Pir Panjal vary.
The voting course of proceeded peacefully amid excessive safety, in keeping with J&Ok’s chief electoral officer PK Pole, and the ultimate turnout might barely enhance as soon as knowledge from distant areas and postal ballots are included.
“At this time’s voting share is greater than earlier elections held in 2009, 2014, and 2024 (Lok Sabha), and 2008 and 2014 (meeting),” Pole stated, expressing satisfaction with the voter engagement in 16 constituencies of south Kashmir districts, historically identified for low turnout. “I’m certain that within the subsequent two phases, the voting share will likely be a lot greater than in the present day,” he stated in Jammu metropolis.
Nonetheless, the turnout was decrease than the 71% recorded within the first of the 5 phases of elections held a decade in the past. In 2014, the entire turnout was almost 66%, however the meeting’s energy was 87 then, together with 4 seats from Ladakh. This was the very best polling share in 25 years regardless of calls by Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to boycott the elections.
The 2024 meeting elections are the primary in 10 years and for the reason that abrogation of Article 370 in Aug 2019 and the bifurcation of the area into Union territories — J&Ok and Ladakh. Following the 2023 delimitation train, the meeting now has 90 seats, with 47 representatives from Kashmir and 43 from Jammu.
The delimitation train ensured that no constituency straddles two districts, permitting for clearer district-wise figures this time, Pole stated. Voter turnout diversified throughout districts. In south Kashmir, Kulgam district recorded 61%, whereas Pulwama had the bottom with 46%. Within the Jammu division, districts like Kishtwar noticed 77%, the very best recorded within the area. Inderwal meeting phase in Jammu recorded a formidable 80% turnout.
In Redwani village of Kulgam’s Devsar constituency, which had beforehand been a hotbed for separatist actions, voters lined up in massive numbers. Mahak Irfan, a 22-year-old first-time voter, stated: “Boycott has given us nothing. We’d like somebody to alter the present dynamics and shield our rights.”
Native considerations, reminiscent of entry to electrical energy and water sources, had been central to voter sentiment. Abdul Rahim Dar of Devsar stated: “Regardless of having our personal energy sources, we’ve to buy electrical energy from outdoors. Now they’re saying that water can even be pay as you go.”
Kulgam constituency noticed CPM chief Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami contesting for a fifth consecutive time period. He’s dealing with stiff competitors from 9 different candidates, together with impartial candidate Talat Majid Alie — a former member of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.
Tarigami’s supporters, reminiscent of Manzoor Ahmad, highlighted his achievements: “This vote is for his daring stand towards the abrogation of Article 370. Tarigami at all times raised his voice towards the revocation of the particular standing of Kashmir.”
In Dooru, AICC common secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir of the NC-Congress alliance can be dealing with a tricky problem with the entry of former separatists as independents. Mir, who had received the seat in 2002 and 2008, narrowly misplaced by 161 votes in 2014 to PDP’s Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi. Comparable tight margins had been seen in Gurez and Kupwara, the place candidates received by razor-thin variations — 141 and 151 votes, respectively.
The Jammu area’s eight constituencies noticed sturdy voter enthusiasm, with lengthy queues at polling stations in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, which have been reeling from terrorist violence this summer season.
Former J&Ok Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani expressed confidence in his social gathering’s probabilities regardless of a “pleasant battle” with ally NC in Banihal. “We are going to win. Mark my phrases,” he stated after casting his vote at Tulbagh-Rallu polling station. “It isn’t a pleasant contest as they (NC) have criticised and abused us constantly.”
BJP’s Shagun Parihar, whose father and uncle had been killed by terrorists in 2018, additionally expressed confidence after casting her vote in Kishtwar’s Mohalla Bagwan polling sales space. “BJP will type the subsequent govt in J&Ok,” stated the 29-year-old, who’s dealing with NC’s Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo and PDP’s Firdous Ahmed Tak.
Nonetheless, polling was briefly halted within the sales space following complaints of “bogus” voting, the place Shagun was allegedly heckled by PDP and NC employees. “I used to be taunted by NC-PDP employees that I’m enjoying the sufferer card and making an attempt to achieve sympathy.” PDP’s Tak later claimed he was assaulted by a police officer and accused Shagun of making an attempt to disrupt the peaceable voting course of.
For Kashmiri Pandits, particular polling stations had been arrange in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi to facilitate voting for over 35,000 displaced voters. “Free transport from designated areas was supplied to them,” an official stated.
Voting for 26 seats will likely be held within the second part on Sept 25, adopted by 40 seats within the closing spherical on Oct 1. Votes will likely be counted on Oct 8.
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: The primary part of the three-part J&Ok meeting elections recorded a voter turnout of 59% throughout 24 constituencies Wednesday, masking seven districts in south Kashmir and Jammu division on both facet of the Pir Panjal vary.
The voting course of proceeded peacefully amid excessive safety, in keeping with J&Ok’s chief electoral officer PK Pole, and the ultimate turnout might barely enhance as soon as knowledge from distant areas and postal ballots are included.
“At this time’s voting share is greater than earlier elections held in 2009, 2014, and 2024 (Lok Sabha), and 2008 and 2014 (meeting),” Pole stated, expressing satisfaction with the voter engagement in 16 constituencies of south Kashmir districts, historically identified for low turnout. “I’m certain that within the subsequent two phases, the voting share will likely be a lot greater than in the present day,” he stated in Jammu metropolis.
Nonetheless, the turnout was decrease than the 71% recorded within the first of the 5 phases of elections held a decade in the past. In 2014, the entire turnout was almost 66%, however the meeting’s energy was 87 then, together with 4 seats from Ladakh. This was the very best polling share in 25 years regardless of calls by Hurriyat leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to boycott the elections.
The 2024 meeting elections are the primary in 10 years and for the reason that abrogation of Article 370 in Aug 2019 and the bifurcation of the area into Union territories — J&Ok and Ladakh. Following the 2023 delimitation train, the meeting now has 90 seats, with 47 representatives from Kashmir and 43 from Jammu.
The delimitation train ensured that no constituency straddles two districts, permitting for clearer district-wise figures this time, Pole stated. Voter turnout diversified throughout districts. In south Kashmir, Kulgam district recorded 61%, whereas Pulwama had the bottom with 46%. Within the Jammu division, districts like Kishtwar noticed 77%, the very best recorded within the area. Inderwal meeting phase in Jammu recorded a formidable 80% turnout.
In Redwani village of Kulgam’s Devsar constituency, which had beforehand been a hotbed for separatist actions, voters lined up in massive numbers. Mahak Irfan, a 22-year-old first-time voter, stated: “Boycott has given us nothing. We’d like somebody to alter the present dynamics and shield our rights.”
Native considerations, reminiscent of entry to electrical energy and water sources, had been central to voter sentiment. Abdul Rahim Dar of Devsar stated: “Regardless of having our personal energy sources, we’ve to buy electrical energy from outdoors. Now they’re saying that water can even be pay as you go.”
Kulgam constituency noticed CPM chief Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami contesting for a fifth consecutive time period. He’s dealing with stiff competitors from 9 different candidates, together with impartial candidate Talat Majid Alie — a former member of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.
Tarigami’s supporters, reminiscent of Manzoor Ahmad, highlighted his achievements: “This vote is for his daring stand towards the abrogation of Article 370. Tarigami at all times raised his voice towards the revocation of the particular standing of Kashmir.”
In Dooru, AICC common secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir of the NC-Congress alliance can be dealing with a tricky problem with the entry of former separatists as independents. Mir, who had received the seat in 2002 and 2008, narrowly misplaced by 161 votes in 2014 to PDP’s Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi. Comparable tight margins had been seen in Gurez and Kupwara, the place candidates received by razor-thin variations — 141 and 151 votes, respectively.
The Jammu area’s eight constituencies noticed sturdy voter enthusiasm, with lengthy queues at polling stations in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, which have been reeling from terrorist violence this summer season.
Former J&Ok Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani expressed confidence in his social gathering’s probabilities regardless of a “pleasant battle” with ally NC in Banihal. “We are going to win. Mark my phrases,” he stated after casting his vote at Tulbagh-Rallu polling station. “It isn’t a pleasant contest as they (NC) have criticised and abused us constantly.”
BJP’s Shagun Parihar, whose father and uncle had been killed by terrorists in 2018, additionally expressed confidence after casting her vote in Kishtwar’s Mohalla Bagwan polling sales space. “BJP will type the subsequent govt in J&Ok,” stated the 29-year-old, who’s dealing with NC’s Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo and PDP’s Firdous Ahmed Tak.
Nonetheless, polling was briefly halted within the sales space following complaints of “bogus” voting, the place Shagun was allegedly heckled by PDP and NC employees. “I used to be taunted by NC-PDP employees that I’m enjoying the sufferer card and making an attempt to achieve sympathy.” PDP’s Tak later claimed he was assaulted by a police officer and accused Shagun of making an attempt to disrupt the peaceable voting course of.
For Kashmiri Pandits, particular polling stations had been arrange in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi to facilitate voting for over 35,000 displaced voters. “Free transport from designated areas was supplied to them,” an official stated.
Voting for 26 seats will likely be held within the second part on Sept 25, adopted by 40 seats within the closing spherical on Oct 1. Votes will likely be counted on Oct 8.
