Record-Breaking Voter Turnout in J&K’s Anantnag-Rajouri:A New Dawn of Democracy.

*Historic Turnout in J&K Polls Marks New Era of Democracy**

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh May 26, 2024||

In an unprecedented display of civic engagement, the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir registered a remarkable 53% voter turnout, concluding a peaceful polling process. This election, the first major one since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, saw a significant increase in voter participation, reflecting a renewed faith in the democratic process.

This monumental event marks the highest voter participation in Jammu and Kashmir in 40 years, reflecting a significant shift in the region’s political engagement post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

*Key Highlights* :

– **Overall Voter Turnout**:

The Union Territory recorded a turnout of 58%, the highest in 40 years. Out of the 87.26 lakh electorate, a substantial 58% cast their votes, a stark contrast to the 9% turnout in the 2019 general election for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

**Militancy-Infested Areas**:

Even in the militancy-affected Zainapora Assembly segment, voter turnout surged from 2% in 2019 to an impressive 41%.

– **Highest Turnout Segments**:

Surankote, Rajouri, and Budhal Assembly segments recorded the highest turnout at 68%. Conversely, the Kulgam Assembly segment had the lowest turnout at 32%.

*Special Polling Stations*

The Election Commission of India (ECI) established 163 special polling stations to enhance voter experience and encourage participation. These included:

– **Women-Manned Stations**:

Dedicated polling stations manned by women to ensure safety and comfort.

Youth-Manned Stations: Operated by young officials to encourage the youth demographic.

PwDs-Manned Stations: Facilitated by staff trained to assist Persons with Disabilities.

Green Polling Stations: Promoting eco-friendly practices.

Border Polling Stations: Ensuring participation of voters in border areas.

Model Polling Stations: Equipped with best-in-class facilities to serve as exemplary polling stations.

*Candidates and Competition*

Prominent figures in the fray included Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference (NC), and Zafar Iqbal Manhas from Apni Party. Mian Altaf emerged as a favorite among voters, reflecting a strong support base.

*Peaceful and Organized Elections*

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pandurang Kundbarao Pole confirmed the peaceful conduct of the elections, with only an isolated incident in Bijbehara.

Addressing the media, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) hailed the 53% turnout in Anantnag-Rajouri as a significant milestone. He noted that the overall turnout across Jammu and Kashmir stood at 58%, surpassing the previous highs of 49% in 2014 and 47.99% in 1996.

*Commitment to Inclusivity and Sustainability*

The newly established polling stations represented a significant step towards inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all voter segments. CEO Pole emphasized the ECI’s dedication to fostering a democratic environment that caters to every citizen’s needs, including women, youth, and PwDs.

*A Vote for Development*

The overwhelming turnout was seen as a vote for development. Voters expressed their hopes for tangible improvements, emphasizing that it was now up to political leaders to deliver on their promises.

*Resentments*

Residents of Rajouri voiced their sentiments, feeling that the BJP had played with their expectations by supporting a proxy candidate. The local workers said that they worked very hard for making ground for BJP in Rajouri but all went invain as the party didn’t field any candidate.

*Future Prospects*

The Chief Election Commissioner has indicated the possibility of holding Assembly elections, buoyed by the high voter turnout. This election has set a benchmark, reflecting the electorate’s enthusiasm and the effectiveness of the ECI’s strategies.

*Acknowledgments and Future Prospects*

Chief Secretary, J&K Sh. Atal Dulloo today complimented both the civil administration and police for working tirelessly and ensuring peaceful and smooth conduct of parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir.

On the culmination of the 6th & last phase of Lok Sabha election in J&K, Chief Secretary hailed the high voter turn-out during all the phases and said that huge participation and high voting percentage have demonstrated faith of people in the electoral process.

Chief Secretary thanked people for coming out in large numbers to cast their vote. He acknowledged the role of Principal Secretary Home; DG Police, Divisional Commissioners Kashmir/Jammu, ADGPs, all Deputy Commissioners, DIGs, SSPs and other civil & police officers for making fool proof arrangements, thereby providing people a peaceful environment to exercise their vote freely as per their choice.

Dulloo also complimented Election Commission of India especially Chief Electoral Officer J&K, who had been pivotal in making best of the arrangements for conduct of polling in all the districts over five phases. He expressed satisfaction that adequate security arrangements had been made which ensured peace and harmony during elections and no untoward incident was reported.

*Conclusion*

The successful, high-turnout election in Jammu and Kashmir marks a milestone in its democratic journey. The efforts of the ECI, local administration, and security forces have been pivotal in achieving a peaceful and inclusive polling process. As the region moves forward, the onus now lies on the elected leaders to fulfill the aspirations of their electorate and pave the way for sustained development and peace.