16.23 lakh voters to decide fate of 12 candidates in Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Constituency
2,637 polling stations prepared across five dists
CCTV Surveillance & voter helpline App ensure fairness in polling process
BJP, Congress, & DPAP candidates vie for victory in key J&K Constituency
Chenab belt emerges as key battleground in Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Election
Special assistance for vulnerable voters
JAMMU, APR18: After the high voltage and star studded campaigning, the stage is all set for first phase of 2024 LokSabha elections in J&K with voting going to be held for the prestigious Kathua-Udhampur-DodaLokSabha constituency tomorrow.
The fate of 12 candidates from different parties will be decided by a total of 16.23 lakh voters, including 8.45 lakh male and 7.77 lakh female electorates, of this constituency tomorrow. This LokSabha constituency has an area of 2030 sqkms has five districts namely, Udhampur, Kathua, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar.
“The total electorates included around 23,637 persons with disabilities, alongside 403 persons above 100 years of age who have been enrolled to participate in the electoral process,” stated an official communication from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.
A comprehensive network of 2,637 polling stations has been readied across five districts – Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban – to accommodate voters. Among these, 136 polling stations are categorized as P-2, while 31 fall under P-7 to P-3. Notably, Kathua, bordering the international border, hosts 25 polling stations, accentuating the logistical complexity and security considerations involved.
Polling will be conducted from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, preceded by mock polls to ensure smooth operations. Special provisions, including Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) and wheelchair accessibility, have been made at every polling station. Ballot units will feature contesting candidates’ lists in Braille, and separate queues will facilitate early voting for senior citizens and specially-abled persons. Moreover, 19 polling booths will be managed by women, 14 by specially-abled individuals, and 17 by youths, enhancing inclusivity and representation.
Efforts to bolster voter turnout and identification include the distribution of voter information slips and the utilization of the Voter Helpline App (VHA). Additionally, 12 types of documents, including Aadhaar Card and PAN Card, are accepted for voter verification, underscoring a commitment to accessibility.
Technological innovations, such as the Voter Turnout App and CCTV surveillance in 1,440 polling stations, aim to enhance transparency and monitoring. Moreover, the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct ensures fairness and accountability throughout the electoral process.
The public campaigning in areas of the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency concluded on April 17, providing voters with a tranquil environment devoid of external influences.
Notably, the C-VIGIL app has emerged as a vital tool for citizens to report MCC violations, with 75 grievances received to date. Over 50% of these have been resolved promptly, underscoring the efficacy of the system in addressing electoral concerns.Around 1440 polling stations in phase I will be equipped with CCTV cameras for live webcasting, enabling real-time monitoring and enhancing accountability. Additionally, 200 polling stations will feature two cameras for comprehensive inside and outside surveillance.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP pushed its full might in the Kathua-Udhampur-DodaLokSabha constituency as its star campaigners including the Prime Minister, NarendraModi campaigned for party’s candidate, the union minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
The PM Modi addressed an election rally at Modi Stadium in Udhampur on 12th of this month, Chief Minister of Utter Pradesh (UP), the largest State of India, YogiAdityanath, also addressed a mega election rally at Kathua, and the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the election rally in support of BJP candidate at Basholi.
The Congress Party’s star campaigners namely bollywood actor, Raj Babbar and Sachin Pilot also campaigned for the party’s candidate Lal Singh, who is also contesting from this seat.
The 18 Assembly segments falling in this LokSabha seat are namely, Kathua, Basholi, Hira Nagar, Inderwal, Banihal, Ramban, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Kishtwar, Billawar, Doda West, Doda East, Paddar-Nagseni, Udhampur East, Bani, Chennani, Bhaderwah and Udhampur East.
Although, 12 candidates are in fray for this constituency, but main contest is between BJP candidate and two time sitting MP from this seat, Dr Jitendra Singh, Congress candidate Lal Singh, who had represented this seat twice, and GM Saroori, the candidate of DPAP.
In 2014 LokSabha elections, Dr Jitendra Singh of the BJP defeated the then Congress stalwart and former Chief Minister of J&K, GhulamNabi Azad, by a margin of over 50,000 votes.
In 2019 LokSabha polls, Dr Singh defeated the Congress candidate, Vikramaditya Singh, by a big-2 margin of 4 lakh votes. In 2019, Dr Singh got 7.58 lakh votes, while Congress candidate, Vikramaditya Singh got 3.58 lakh votes.
However, this time, it seems that it may not be a cake walk for Dr Jitendra Singh due to entry of DPAP candidate GM Saroori.
The DPAP of GhulamNabi Azad has its significant hold in the Chenab belt and therefore, the contest for this seat has become interesting owing to the fact that Lal Singh also has influence in some pockets of this LokSabha seat.
