The Nagrota Assembly constituency recorded an impressive 75.08% voter turnout in today’s by-election, with polling passing off peacefully across all 150 polling stations, according to the Election Commission.
The fate of ten candidates, including BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and Independent Anil Sharma, has been sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Verma told Daily Excelsior that the by-poll witnessed completely peaceful and smooth polling. Verma, who toured several polling stations during the day, stated that voters expressed satisfaction with facilities, including wheelchairs, drinking water, and queue management.
Officials confirmed that one or two EVMs were replaced due to technical issues, but polling resumed immediately without disruption, ensuring a seamless voting process.
Turnout figures for the Nagrota by-poll are close to the 2024 Assembly election numbers, which registered a turnout of 77.66%. This by-election’s figure stands out as notably high.
Last year, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana won with 48,113 votes, followed by NC’s Joginder Singh with 17,641 votes. Congress candidate Balbir Singh secured only 5,979 votes, while the remaining candidates polled in three digits. In total, 74,083 votes were cast in 2024.
Officials report a similar number of votes have been cast this time, with the revised electorate slightly higher at around 98,000 voters.
Regarding security, adequate arrangements were in place, including heavy deployment of paramilitary and police personnel at sensitive locations. Election Commission observers, including General, Police, and Expenditure observers, visited multiple booths to ensure compliance.
After polling closed at 6 pm, EVMs were transferred securely to strong rooms, where they will remain under constant surveillance until counting day.
This by-poll utilized technology-driven strategies, with presiding officers uploading booth-wise turnout data using the ‘Presiding Officer App’ under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform, which minimized reporting delays and human errors.
The need for the by-election arose following the sudden death of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana shortly after winning the Assembly seat in 2024.
The BJP nominated his daughter, Devyani Rana, an Economics graduate from the University of California, who campaigned on a platform of “professional and inclusive development.” NC’s Shamim Begum, a sitting DDC member, relied on grassroots connections and the party’s organizational strength.
Former minister Harshdev Singh, contesting Nagrota for the first time, projected himself as an “alternative voice,” while Independent Anil Sharma, a former Sarpanch, depended on local support and welfare assurances.
Long queues formed at various booths after 9 am as sunny weather encouraged voters to participate. Voters at the Kol Kandoli polling station expressed that they were casting their ballots “to continue the pace of development in the Nagrota area.”
Nagrota has alternated between BJP and NC over the past five elections since 1996, with BJP winning in 2002, 2008, and 2024, while NC secured victories in 1996 and 2014. Notably, the Congress did not field a candidate this time and also refrained from supporting NC’s campaign, despite their alliance at the Union Territory level.
The Nagrota and Budgam by-polls aim to fill two vacancies in the 90-member J&K Assembly, which currently comprises 88 sitting MLAs. The vacancies arose due to the passing of Devender Singh Rana and the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who vacated Budgam after retaining Ganderbal.