Jammu, Apr 26: Jammu-Reasi parliamentary constituency, which went to polls in the second phase of general elections, registered a record 71.91 percent (tentative) voter turnout on Friday.
The polling, which was peaceful, incident-free, took place in 18 assembly segments in four districts including Reasi, Samba, Jammu and Rajouri.
There were 22 candidates in the electoral fray. However, the straight contest was between Bharatiya Janata Party’s Jugal Kishore Sharma and Congress’ Raman Bhalla. Jugal, sitting MP, is reclaiming third term.
In 2019, Jammu seat had registered a voting percentage of 74 percent.
According to officials, till late evening final assembly segment-wise figures were being updated, thus polling percentage was likely to go up.
However, as per the office of Chief Election Officer, J&K, till 5 pm, Gulabgarh (ST) has recorded 71.47 percent polling; Reasi 71.65 percent; Shri Mata Vaishno Devi 74.65 percent; Ramgrah (SC) 69.76 percent; Samba 69.23 percent; Vijaypur 66.71 percent; Bishnah (SC) 71.33 percent; Suchetgarh (SC) 63.49 percent; R S Pura-Jammu South 62.31 percent; Bahu 58.82 percent; Jammu East 62.78 percent; Nagrota 71.39 percent; Jammu West 58.7 percent; Jammu North 62.4 percent; Marh (SC) 73 percent; Akhnoor (SC) 74.03 percent; Chhamb 71.06 percent and Kalakote-Sunderbani registered 66.4 percent voting.
J&K Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pandurang K Pole, while extending gratitude to all the voters, for their enthusiastic participation in the polling for the second phase, said, “Despite scorching hot weather, enthusiastic voters from Jammu, Samba, Reasi, and Rajouri turned out in record numbers to cast their ballots. Long queues formed at polling stations as people eagerly waited for their turn, with youth and first-time voters excitedly participating in this festival of democracy. This high participation reflects voters’ unwavering commitment and deep faith in the democratic system, contributing to a flourishing society.”
Besides congratulating all the first-time voters, he complimented the polling personnel engaged in the election process for successful and peaceful conduct of the second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, 1,364 polling stations were live webcasted. More than 15,000 personnel performed poll duty.
Polling began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm. The people who had entered polling stations before 6 pm were allowed to vote.
Officials informed that at each polling station, basic amenities such as water, electricity, toilets, ramps, and waiting rooms were provided to ensure smooth and successful elections. Wheelchairs and helpers were also available for voters in need.
In a first of its kind move towards inclusivity and environmental consciousness, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had established 109 remarkable polling stations of different categories for voters in the constituency.
These innovative polling stations viz; women manned, youth manned, PwD manned, Green Polling Stations, Border Polling Stations and Unique Polling Stations were designed to cater specifically to women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), promote eco-friendly practices and cater to voters of different kind in the region.
The polling stations were established under specific themes in all four districts of Jammu Parliamentary Constituency.
In Jammu district, three Women manned, three PwD manned, two youth manned, four green, fifty border and three unique polling stations were established. Similarly, three women manned, three-PwD manned, three youth-manned, three green, twelve border and two unique polling stations were established for ease of voters in Samba district.
Likewise, in Reasi district, three women manned, three PwD manned, three youth manned, four green and one unique polling station was established.
In Rajouri (Sunderbani-Kalakote) district, one women-manned, one PWD manned, one youth manned and one green polling station was established.
With a special focus on women, youth, and PWD, these stations had been equipped with amenities tailored to meet their unique needs, fostering an environment conducive to active participation in the democratic process.
Pole said, “Establishment of these unique polling stations underscores our unwavering dedication towards fostering inclusivity and sustainability in the electoral process. ECI believes that every citizen should have equal access to exercise their democratic right, and these polling stations represent a significant step towards achieving that goal.”