Ahead of Phase 1, over Rs. 124 crore worth of seizures were recorded in J&K, marking a firm crackdown on drugs
Srinagar, 18 Sep: Near about 59 percent voter turnout was recorded till 7:30pm in first phase of assembly polls in Jammu nad Kashmir.
Building on the success of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, peaceful and enthusiastic voting began in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections.
Voters from all sections responded positively, reaffirming the confidence expressed by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar that the people of J&K would stand against any attempts to disrupt the process.
Long queues at polling stations reflected the deep trust and confidence in democracy. Phase 1 recorded an approximate voter turnout of 58.85% as of 7:30 PM.
Polling took place across 3,276 stations in 24 ACs in the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda. Voter participation exceeded that of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, which had a turnout of 58.58%, the highest in 35 years. A total of 219 candidates contested in Phase 1, including 9 women. Young and female voters were notably enthusiastic, showing their strong support for democracy over violence and boycotts.
The Election Commission, led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar, closely monitored every aspect of the process. With clear directives and strong security measures, voters were able to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. Webcasting was implemented at all polling stations, while 32 Central Observers ensured no disruptions occurred.
Kashmiri Migrant voters were empowered with 24 Special Polling Stations set up in Jammu (19), Udhampur (1), and Delhi (4). The process was eased for migrant voters by eliminating the cumbersome Form-M and introducing self-certification.
For the first time in J&K Assembly elections, home-voting was introduced for those with physical limitations. Elderly voters, those aged above 85, and PwDs with 40% benchmark disabilities could vote from home. Those who came to polling stations were welcomed with warmth and assured minimum facilities such as drinking water, ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers.
In one example of inclusion, PwD voters from Dhadkai, known as the “Silent Village” due to speech and hearing impairments, participated actively at Polling Station 195 in Bhadarwah AC, Doda district.
The Election Commission also cracked down on illegitimate efforts to influence voters. Through technology and intelligence-driven action, seizures worth Rs. 124.3 crore were made by 18.09.2024, including Rs. 107.9 crore worth of drugs and narcotics. Freebies worth over Rs. 15 crore were also seized. Efforts to curb electoral malpractice continue into the upcoming phases.
District-Wise Approximate Voter Turnout in Phase-I (7:30 PM):
1. Anantnag – 54.17%
2. Doda – 69.33%
3. Kishtwar – 77.23%
4. Kulgam – 61.57%
5. Pulwama – 46.03%
6. Ramban – 67.71%
7. Shopian – 53.64%
Polling for the second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 1, 2024, respectively. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, 2024.
