J&K DDC elections: 40 pc votes polled till 1300 hrs

Of the total vote percentage, 28.71 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 25 constituencies of the Kashmir valley while 50.96 per cent votes were polled in the Jammu division.

As per the figures given by the office of State Election Commissioner, in Kashmir Division, Kupwara has recorded voting percentage of 34.1077 per cent, Bandipora 34.1833 per cent, Baramulla 25.58 per cent, Ganderbal 36.2623 per cent, Srinagar 29.944 per cent, Budgam 47.4477 per cent, Pulwama 6.08333 per cent, Shopian 22.375 per cent, Kulgam 24.4948 per cent and Anantnag 26.6565 per cent till 1300 hrs.

Similarly in Jammu division, Kishtwar has recorded voting percentage of 27.1467 per cent, Doda 50.6346 per cent, Ramban 54.9191 per cent, Reasi 56.176 per cent, Udhampur 45.0352 per cent, Kathua 54.2351 per cent, Samba 59.2913 per cent, Jammu 48.9676 per cent, Rajouri 57.731 per cent and Poonch 55.4848 per cent.

The polling began earlier in the morning, amid tight security arrangements. The counting of votes will be taken on December 22.

These polls hold significance as they are the first electoral exercise after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and Article 35 A, besides dividing the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – J&K and Ladakh on August 5, 2019.

This time, there was no boycott call by separatist.

In majority polling stations, long queues of voters, including women, could be seen casting their votes in the valley despite chilly weather condition. A large number of voters were seen waiting for their turn outside the polling stations at Pahalgam, and border areas in north Kashmir.

In the first phase, as many as 3.72 lakh eligible voters are expected to exercise their franchise to elect representatives in 25 DDC constituencies in the valley. The polling which began at 0700 hrs on Saturday will end at 1400 hrs.

Officials said that elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the voting, besides special measures have also been taken in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eight-phased DDC elections are witnessing a triangular contest between the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) -- an amalgam of six parties -- the BJP and the Apni Party floated by former finance minister Altaf Bukhari.

The PAGD, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is seeking the restoration of the special status of J&K.

Senior BJP leaders, including Ministers, campaigned and sought votes for party candidates. However, PAGD alleged that majority candidates of their alliance were not allowed to campaign and were lodged in hotels and other high security accommodation.