Armed forces personnel stands deployed outside a polling station at Gund Banihaal, in Ramban district of Udhampur constituency. [FPK Photo / Umar Farooq]
Udhampur: The Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency (PC) in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a robust voter turnout, with 65.8 percent polling registered by 5pm. This substantial participation reflects a strong engagement of voters despite challenging weather conditions and geographical terrain.
Armed forces personnel stands deployed outside a polling station at Gund Banihaal, in Ramban district of Udhampur constituency on April 19, 2024. [FPK Photo / Umar Farooq]
According to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, JK, polling percentages varied across different assembly segments within the constituency. Notably, 48- Inderwal AC recorded 66.9%, 49- Kishtwar AC 62.51%, 50-Padder Nagseni AC 60.81%, 51-Bhaderwah AC 60.85%, 52-Doda AC 65.78%, 53-Doda West AC 66.62%, 54-Ramban AC 64.76%, 55-Banihal AC 56.62%, 59-Udhampur West AC 67.33%, 60-Udhampur East AC 69.96%, 61-Chenani AC 66.33%, 62-Ramnagar AC 64.79%, 63-Bani AC 60.65%, 64-Billawar AC 64.51%, 65-Basohli AC 63.57%, 66-Jasrota AC 68.65%, 67-Kathua AC 70.8%, and 68-Hiranagar AC 68.06%.
Women wait outside the polling station at Achiwagan village in Ramban district on April 19, 2024. [FPK Photo / Umar Farooq]
The electoral battle is intense with twelve candidates contesting, including Union minister Jitendra Singh from BJP, former MP Choudhary Lal Singh from Congress, and former minister G M Saroori from Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP).
This election holds significant importance as it marks a major political event in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 and the state’s reorganisation into Union territories in 2019.
The smooth conduct of elections is ensured by the deployment of over 11,000 polling staff and robust security measures. Out of the 2,637 polling stations, a significant number are equipped with webcasting facilities to monitor the electoral process effectively.
Voters outside a polling station in a queue to cast their votes in Ramban on April 19, 2024. [FPK Photo/ Umar Farooq]
With an electorate of 16,23,195 voters, including a sizeable number of first-time voters, women, elderly, and persons with disabilities, this election showcases the diversity and engagement of voters in the democratic process.
Women voters walk downhill after casting their votes in Chapnari, a hilly village in Ramban district of Udhampur parliamentary constituency, on April 19, 2024. [FPK Photo/ Umar Farooq]
The Chief Electoral Officer emphasised the preparedness for peaceful polling, leveraging modern technology for monitoring and ensuring compliance with electoral norms. The Election Commission’s commitment to transparency is upheld through the deployment of advanced technology like VVPATs to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Waiting for their turn, voters in a queue outside a polling station in Ramban district of the Udhampur parliamentary constituency on April 2024. [FPK Photo/ Umar Farooq]
As the election day progresses, all eyes are on the outcome of this critical electoral battle in the Udhampur constituency, which is poised to shape the political landscape of the region.
