Reported by :- Rafiq wani.
Baramulla: May 20; The Fifth Phase of voting for General Elections to 18th Lok Sabha concluded peacefully here today with around 59 % voting in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipur and Budgam Districts partly. Fractional correction is expected in the percentage figure, at some of the Polling Stations voting continued even after 6.00 pm and many polling parties are yet to reach the Reception Center. This remarkable participation marks a new era of peace and civic engagement in these districts. This year’s elections were conducted without any boycott calls or intimidation, showcasing the voters’ unwavering belief in the power of the ballot. Not a single polling station reported zero votes, a testament to the widespread enthusiasm and commitment to the democratic process. Corresponding percentage for last Loksabha election in 2019 was 37.41 %. Voters participated with lots of enthusiasm.
The highest ever poll percentage in Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, since the eruption of terrorism in Kashmir was recorded in 1996 with 46.65 %. and in the history of Baramulla PC, highest poll percentage was (approx.) 61.09 % in year 1984. This year’s poll percentage is definitely second highest in democratic history of Baramulla PC and may be likely to be highest, as final figures are yet to reach from remote areas and also two assembly segments – Budgam and Beerwah have been added in recent de-limitation, we can say it is highest for the Baramulla PC in today’s size. Main reasons of increased record polling percentage are improved security – law and order environment in last 4-5 years, mobilization by 22 candidates and Political parties, election awareness done by Deputy Commissioners and CEO office through SVEEP activities and more importantly voters strong belief that it is the Ballot which can lead to sustainable development (aman, tarraki aur khush-hali).
Polling took place in 2,103 polling stations across the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency with live webcasting at all the polling stations. Voting started at 7 a.m. across the PC with long queues of enthusiastic voters waiting to cast their votes.
Demonstrating the spirit of democracy the voters of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipur and Budgam showed up in record numbers to cast their votes in a significant show of faith in the Election Process. Since the beginning of the poll at 7.00 AM, Voters were seen standing in long ques at many polling stations across the all 4 Districts. Elderly, ladies, youths were seen enthusiastically exercising their right to vote in a peaceful environment.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Sh. Pandurang. K. Pole (IAS) monitored the progress of voting in Phase -V across the Parliamentary constituency from the Union Territory-level Command and Control Center established at ICCC- HMT, Bemina and CEO Office, Srinagar. It is pertinent to mention here that the Command and Control center has been working 24 x 7 at Srinagar as well as Jammu since 16 March to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections.
