The Nagrota Assembly constituency witnessed a remarkable voter turnout of 75.08 percent during today’s by-election, with polling reported as completely peaceful across all 150 polling stations, according to the Election Commission.
Ten candidates, including BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and Independent Anil Sharma, have seen their fates sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The vote counting will take place on November 14.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Verma remarked to Daily Excelsior that the by-poll experienced “completely peaceful and smooth polling.” During his tour of various polling stations, Verma noted that voters expressed satisfaction with the facilities, which included wheelchairs, drinking water, and queue management.
Officials confirmed the replacement of one or two EVMs due to technical issues, but polling resumed immediately without any disruption.
Significant Voter Turnout Close to 2024 Figures
This by-election turnout stands commendably close to the 77.66% recorded during the 2024 Assembly elections, showcasing robust voter engagement.
In the previous election, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana secured victory with 48,113 votes, followed by NC’s Joginder Singh with 17,641 votes. The Congress candidate Balbir Singh garnered only 5,979 votes, with other candidates receiving low numbers. Overall, 74,083 votes were cast in 2024.
Officials reported a similar number of votes cast this time as well, while the revised electorate stands at approximately 98,000 voters.
Stringent Security Measures and Monitoring
Comprehensive security arrangements were in place for the by-election, including substantial deployment of paramilitary and police personnel at sensitive locations. Election Commission observers, comprising General, Police, and Expenditure observers, actively visited multiple booths to oversee the process.
Senior officials monitored special polling stations with diligence. After polling closed at 6 PM, the EVMs were securely transported to strong rooms, where they remain under continuous surveillance until the counting day.
Technological Innovations in the Polling Process
For the first time, presiding officers utilized the ‘Presiding Officer App’ under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform to upload booth-wise turnout data, effectively reducing delays and minimizing human error in reporting.
Reason for the By-Poll
This by-election arose following the sudden death of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana, who had passed away shortly after winning the Assembly seat in 2024.
The BJP fielded Devyani Rana, his daughter and an Economics graduate from the University of California, who campaigned on a platform emphasizing “professional and inclusive development.” Meanwhile, NC’s Shamim Begum, a current DDC member, leaned on her grassroots connections and party organizational strength.
Former minister Harshdev Singh, a first-time contestant in Nagrota, positioned himself as the “alternative voice,” while Independent Anil Sharma, a former Sarpanch, relied on local support and welfare promises.
Voter Perspectives
Bright weather and conducive conditions led to long queues at several booths, especially after 9 AM. Voters at Kol Kandoli polling station expressed their commitment to continuing the pace of development in the Nagrota area by casting their ballots.
Political Insights
Nagrota’s political landscape has witnessed a competitive alternation between the BJP and NC over the past five elections since 1996. The BJP secured victories in 2002, 2008, and 2024, while the NC triumphed in 1996 and 2014.
This time, Congress refrained from fielding a candidate and opted not to support NC’s campaign, despite being alliance partners at the UT level.
The Nagrota and Budgam by-polls will fill two vacancies in the 90-member J&K Assembly, which currently comprises 88 sitting MLAs. This situation emerged due to the passing of Devender Singh Rana and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resignation, who vacated Budgam after retaining Ganderbal.
