Women outnumber men in many polling stations
Rural areas witness high polling %age compared to urban areas
Pink, specially-abled, & youth-managed polling booths in Jammu PC
12 environmental-friendly polling stations set up
JAMMU, Apr 26:The second phase of voting for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections concluded peacefully in Jammu Parliamentary Constituency today. The district of Jammu, along with Samba, Reasi, and a part of Rajouri, witnessed a remarkable tentative voter turnout of 71.91%.
This high participation reflects voters’ unwavering commitment and deep faith in the democratic system, contributing to a flourishing society.
The polling took place across 2,416 polling stations, all equipped with necessary facilities. Additionally, 1,364 polling stations were live webcasted. More than 15,000 polling staff has performed poll duty.
In comparison to urban areas, rural regions witnessed a massive turnout, particularly among women voters, who outnumbered men in many polling stations.
Comprising 18 Assembly segments in Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat is spread over three districts namely, Jammu, Samba and Reasi.
Jammu has 11 Assembly segments, Samba District has four segments, while Reasi has three Assembly segments. Out of these 18 Assembly segments, eight segments recorded over 70% polling till 5 pm.
Comprising 18 Assembly segments spread across Jammu, Samba, and Reasi districts, the constituency observed eight segments recording over 70% polling.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Assembly segment in Reasi District recorded the highest voter turnout at 74.65%, followed closely by Akhnoor with 74.03% turnout.
Other segments also saw substantial participation, with Marh recording 73%, Reasi at 71.65%, and Chhamb at 71.06% till 5 PM.
It was followed by Ramgarh, which saw 69.76% turnout till 5 PM. Gulabgarh also witnessed heavy polling as 71.47% voters turned out for voting till 5 PM.
Jammu-East witnessed 62.78%, Jammu North recorded 62.40%, Jammu West recorded 58.70%, Vijaipur recorded 66.71%, Suchetgarh 63.49%, Samba recorded 69.23%, Jammu South RS Pura recorded 62.3%, while Kalakote-Sunderbani recorded a voter turnout of 66.40% till 5 PM.
The BJP has secured victory in the Jammu-Reasi Lok Sabha seat for two consecutive terms, with Jugal Kishore Sharma emerging as the winner in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sharma faces stiff competition from Congress candidate Raman Bhalla, who is supported by the NC and the PDP, among other contenders.
With 22 candidates in the fray, including key players from BJP and Congress, the electoral battle remains closely contested, with the fate of the constituency hanging in the balance.
Jammu is the second Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir to go to polls. Earlier, polling was held in the Udhampur seat on April 19, recording a voter turnout of more than 68 per cent.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole closely monitored the voting process from the UT level Command and Control Center established at Nirvachan Bhawan, Jammu. Polling began at 7:00 am and continued until 6:00 pm or the conclusion of polling, whichever was later.
At each polling station, basic amenities such as water, electricity, toilets, ramps, and waiting rooms were provided to ensure smooth and successful elections. Wheelchairs and helpers were also available for voters in need. To promote inclusive voting, 10 polling booths were managed by women (referred to as pink polling stations), 10 by specially abled persons, and 9 by youths.
Furthermore, 12 green polling stations were established to raise awareness about environmental concerns.
Chief Electoral Officer congratulated all the first time voters and expressed gratitude towards all the voters for their enthusiastic participation in the polling for the second phase of General Elections. He also complimented the polling personnel engaged in the election process for successful conduct of the second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
