• 2024 saw historic record of 59% voter turnout: CEO Pole
• Handwara records 66.76%, Gurez at 39.77%.
• 21,000 KP migrant voters cast vote at 26 polling stations
• Polling ended peacefully, no untoward incident reported
• CEO expresses gratitude to people for massive participation
Baramulla, May 20: The fifth phase of voting for General Elections to 18th LokSabha concluded peacefully here today with around 59 % voting in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Budgam districts partly.
Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang K. Pole stated on Monday that the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency recorded approximately 59 percent voter turnout, marking the second-highest polling percentage in its decade-long democratic history. Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Pole highlighted that the people of Baramulla made history with the highest-ever poll percentage recorded for the parliamentary seat and a violence-free election day.
He informed that the previous highest voter turnout in the BaramullaLokSabha constituency was witnessed in 1984 at 58.90 percent, while this year, it reached 59 percent. The constituency saw a voter turnout of approximately 59 percent, marking the highest polling percentage since its inception in 1967.
The Baramulla Parliamentary constituency saw a voter turnout of approximately 59 percent, marking the highest polling percentage since its inception in 1967, when the turnout was 51.35%.
According to data released by the CEO’s office, the constituency recorded varying percentages in previous elections: 37.41% in 2019, 38.96% in 2014, 41.84% in 2009, 35.65% in 2004, 27.79% in 1999, 41.49% in 1998, 46.65% in 1996, no elections held in 1991, 5.48% in 1989, 61.09% in 1984, 56.02% in 1980, 56.97% in 1977, 50.62% in 1971, and 51.35% in 1967.
“The constituency comprised 2,103 polling stations, all under CCTV surveillance to guarantee smooth proceedings. While there were some reports of slow polling, investigations indicated that the polling staff were dedicated and efficient,” he said.
Pole said that BaramullaLokSabha constituency witnessed its highest-ever voter turnout since parliamentary polls commenced here in 1967. The previous record was set in 1984 at 61.09 percent, but this year saw 59 percent, which is second highest, he added.
He also noted that Sopore experienced a notable turnout of 44 percent, a significant improvement from the single-digit figures seen in the past few decades.
Pole said that the highest ever poll percentage in Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, since the eruption of terrorism in Kashmir was recorded in 1996 with 46.65 %. and in the history of Baramulla PC, the highest poll percentage was (approx.) 61.09 % in 1984.
“This year’s poll percentage is definitely second highest in democratic history of Baramulla PC and may be likely to be highest, as final figures are yet to reach from remote areas and also two assembly segments – Budgam and Beerwah have been added in recent de-limitation, we can say it is highest for the Baramulla PC in today’s size,” he said.
Pole mentioned that these figures might rise further as some polling stations had voters waiting beyond the 6 pm deadline.
By the close of polls, which was tentatively around 61.87%, the turnout in Karnah was 56.65%, in Trehgam was 57.31%, in Kupwara was 55.68%, in Lolab was 55.72%, in Handwara was 66.76%, in Langet was 60.08%, in Sopore was 40.10%, inRafiabad was 54.69%.
In Uri was 59.07%, in Baramulla was 48.20%, in Gulmarg was 54.45%, in Wagoora–Kareeri was 47.10%, in Pattan was 52.90%, in Sonawari was 58.64%, in Bandipur was 56.13%, in Gurez was 39.77%, in Beerwah was 55.62%, and in Budgam was 48.12%.
Among the assembly segments, the highest polling percentage at 5:00 PM was recorded in Handwara at 66.76%, while the lowest was in Gurez at 39.77%.
He said polling took place in 2,103 polling stations across the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency with live webcasting at all the polling stations. Voting started at 7 a.m. across the PC with long queues of enthusiastic voters waiting to cast their votes.
Pole said that around 17,37, 865 lacs electors were enrolled for casting their vote. More than 8,000 polling staff have performed poll duty. Actual Poll continued till 6.00 pm and at few polling stations of Trehgam, till voting by the last voter standing in que. At every polling station, basic minimum facilities of water, electricity, toilet, ramp, verandah/ waiting room etc were made.
There were around 21,000 Kashmiri migrants electors in PC- Baramulla who opted for voting at 26 Special Polling Stations established at Jammu (21), Udhampur (01) and Delhi (04). At these 26 special polling stations, there was voter turnout of 32 % at Jammu and around 50 % at Udhampur and Delhi. It is also for the first time that the migrant community has turned for vote in such large numbers.
“Even wheelchairs and volunteers were provided as and when required. Efforts were made to give better experience to voters. In many polling station premises, it was seen that even small kids were accompanying their parents and playing in the premises. Polling stations were full of festivity,” he added.
CEO Pole said that additionally, in order to ensure inclusive voting, 18 number of polling booths managed by women (also called as pink polling stations), 17 number of polling booths managed by specially abled persons and 18 number of polling stations managed by youths were established. Meanwhile 18 green polling stations were set up in the Baramulla PC, he added.
CEO Pole also congratulated all the voters and expressed gratitude towards all those voters who came in large numbers to cast their votes. He also appreciated work done by all the Polling personnel, including security personnel deployed in the election process, Police officers, ARO, RO and District Election Officers for their service in making the ongoing elections successful.
Yearwise %age
1967: 51.35% (Baramulla)
1971: 50.62% (Baramulla)
1977: 56.97% (Baramulla)
1980: 56.02% (Baramulla)
1984: 61.09% (Baramulla)
1989: 5.48% (Baramulla)
1991: No elections held
1996: 46.65% (Baramulla)
1998: 41.49% (Baramulla)
1999: 27.79% (Baramulla)
2004: 35.65% (Baramulla)
2009: 41.84% (Baramulla)
2014: 38.96% (Baramulla)
2019: 37.41% (Baramulla)
2024: 59.00% (Baramulla)
LG lauds people, stakeholders on high voter turnout
Srinagar, May 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the people and all the stakeholders on the high voter turnout in Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
In a social media platform X, the Lt Governor said: “High voter turnout, over 58% in Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, is very encouraging and shows the people’s determination and unwavering faith in democracy. I congratulate and thank the people of Baramulla for joining the MahaKumbh of our democracy in large numbers.
I appreciate the hard work of all the stakeholders to ensure free, fair, accessible, inclusive & peaceful conduct of voting. Happy to see young voters expressing and celebrating their unshakable faith in democratic values. Hope this positive trend will continue in the next phase”.
