For the first time since 1996, Srinagar recorded the highest voter turnout of 38 percent as a large number of people exercised their franchise even in the areas which largely witnessed poll boycotts in the past.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P K Pole said that Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency recorded over 38 per cent voting, a figure highest ever since 1996.
“I am glad to announce that the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency today recorded the highest ever voting percentage of over 38 ,” Pole said addressing a press conference. He added that the figure was likely to go up as data was pouring in from districts. The official app of the J&K administration also confirmed the voting percentage of 38.3 in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency at 10 pm.
Pole said that there was a great enthusiasm among the voters and the polling took place in a peaceful atmosphere. “There was no polling station that witnessed zero per cent polling. No law-and-order incident was reported anywhere,” he said, adding that not even a single polling booth witnessed zero percent polling in Srinagar parliamentary constituency.
“People voted in large numbers here. We are thankful to each and every person involved in making this democratic process a success,” said Pole.
The figures for previous years for Srinagar parliamentary constituency were 14.43% in 2019; 25.86% in 2014; 25.55% in 2009, 18.57% in 2004; 11.93% in 1999; 30.06% in 1998 and 40.94% in 1996.
“We had special arrangements in place for females and aged persons, with every polling station under CCTV surveillance,” he added.
Pole also addressed preventive measures, emphasizing the overall peaceful conduct of the polls. “Preventive measures were taken only in cases where individuals had a criminal background or anti-national history, ensuring that polling stations remained incident-free,” he clarified.
Pole added that Srinagar recorded the lowest EVM replacement rate at 0.1 percent, while Jammu reported the highest at 3 percent. To query about absence of boycott calls, Pole said that people have realised the benefits of using the ballot and the futility of boycott.
Earlier, in the day large numbers of people queued up at Polling Stations in sensitive Pulwama and old Srinagar city areas which in the past had seen a very low voter turnout.
A 70-year old voter Muhammad Ramzan from Brein Nishat said that they are facing numerous issues and no one is hearing them. “…we don’t have access to officials, but I’m certain that those who are elected will be accessible and attentive to our concerns,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad Lala, 65, of Khanyar said that he had not voted in the last three elections but decided to vote today. “We are facing hardships such as price rises and unemployment. No one seems to be listening to our issues or attempting to resolve them. Those in charge are making decisions while the poor suffer,” he added.
Sajid Ahmad, 40, from Hawal in Srinagar said that he came out to vote to safeguard the future of his children. “We have witnessed much hardship; now, we seek development and an end to unemployment. Additionally, the issue of drugs also needs to be addressed,” he added.
Assembly segment Voting percentage
(tentative)
Kangan 58.80%
Ganderbal 49.48%
Hazaratbal 28.28%
Khanyar 24.24%
Habbakadal 14.05%
Lal Chowk 27.33%
Channapora 22.97%
Zadibal 29.41%
Eidgah 26.81%
Central Shalteng 26.43%
Khansahib 50.35%
Charar-e-Sharib 56.00%
Chadoora 49.10%
Pampore 38.01%
Tral 40.29%
Pulwama 43.39%
Rajpora 45.79%
Shopian 47.88%
Total Poll on Polling Stations 37.99%
Total Migrant Special PS Polling 39.09%
