SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Assembly bye-elections held in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday witnessed an impressive voter turnout, with Nagrota recording 75.08% and Budgam 50.02% polling.
According to official data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency recorded a turnout of 50.01%, while the 77-Nagrota Assembly Constituency saw 74.82% polling.
A total of 178 votes were polled at the Special Polling Stations set up for Kashmiri migrants — 157 in Jammu, 11 in Udhampur, and 10 in Delhi.
There were 1,26,025 electors in Budgam and 97,980 electors in Nagrota.
A total of 173 polling stations were set up in Budgam and 150 in Nagrota. In addition, 24 special polling stations were established for Kashmiri migrant electors registered in Budgam — 19 in Jammu, one in Udhampur, and four in Delhi to facilitate their participation.
Budgam witnessed a contest among 17 candidates, with the main fight between Agha Syed Mehmood (National Conference), Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (PDP), Aga Syed Mohsin (BJP), and Deeba Khan (Aam Aadmi Party).
In Nagrota, 10 candidates were in the fray, with the main contest among Devyani Rana (BJP), Shamim Begum (National Conference), Harsh Dev Singh (Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party), and Bodh Raj (Apni Party).
The bypoll in Budgam was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain his Ganderbal seat, leaving Budgam vacant following his victory from both constituencies in the 2024 Assembly elections.
In Nagrota, the election was re-conducted following the death of Devender Singh Rana, days after he won the seat in the 2024 Assembly elections.
The results of both constituencies will be declared on November 14. — (KIMS)