Campaigning ends, restrictions imposed in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 24
As the bustling campaigning for the second phase of LokSabha elections in the prestigious Jammu-Reasi seat drew to a close today evening, the administration swiftly enforced restrictions under Section 144 in Jammu.
The prohibitory order, issued by District Magistrate Sachin Jammu, took effect at 6 PM today, coinciding with the conclusion of campaigning activities.
“I, Sachin Vaishya, District Magistrate, Jammu, in exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, do hereby issue a prohibitory order w.e.f from 6 PM today i.e. 24/04/24 till closure of polls on 26/04/24,” stated the official order.
The order entails a complete ban on public gatherings, gatherings of 5 or more persons, and the use of loudspeakers.
Amidst the fervent campaigning, both the BJP and Congress exerted full force in support of their candidates for the Jammu-ReasiLokSabha seat.
BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma orchestrated road shows across Jammu, while Congress candidate Raman Bhalla engaged in similar activities alongside door-to-door campaigning.
Additionally, party leaders organized various programs to drum up support for their respective candidates. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a mega rally near Janipur in favor of BJP candidate Jugal Kishore.
The Congress also enlisted the support of star campaigners such as AlkaLamba, Bharat Singh Solanki, and Raj Babbar to bolster support for candidate Raman Bhalla.
The Jammu-ReasiLokSabha seat, previously known as the Jammu-Poonch seat, has been secured by the BJP for two consecutive terms, in 2014 and 2019. Jugal Kishore Sharma emerged victorious in both elections, notably defeating Congress candidate Raman Bhalla in 2019 by a significant margin.