The Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency (PC) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a historic voter turnout, surpassing records set over the past three decades.
As of 5 pm, the districts of Anantnag, Poonch, Kulgam, and parts of Rajouri and Shopian reported an impressive 51.35% voter turnout, marking the highest participation since 1989. With this remarkable achievement, the three PCs in the Kashmir Valley-Srinagar (38.49%), Baramulla (59.1%), and Anantnag-Rajouri (51.35% as of 5 PM)-have collectively recorded their highest voter turnouts in many decades during the ongoing General Elections 2024.
Overall, the voter turnout in these constituencies stands at approximately 50%, a stark contrast to the 19.16% recorded in 2019, signaling a resounding endorsement of the democratic process. The Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, commended the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their unwavering faith in democracy. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir, in the Anantnag-Rajouri PC polling too, have reposed their faith in democracy and proved naysayers wrong,” they stated. Polling took place across 2,338 polling stations in the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency, with live webcasting implemented to ensure transparency. From the early hours of 7 am, long queues of enthusiastic voters formed, eager to exercise their democratic right. Polling personnel and security forces worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of calm, peace, and festivity, welcoming voters to the polling stations.
It is important to note that due to the delimitation exercise, direct comparisons with previous election data for the current PC may not be feasible. A total of 20 candidates, including two women, are contesting for the Lok Sabha seat from Anantnag-Rajouri. The Election Commission has also facilitated the participation of Kashmiri migrant voters residing in relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur. They were provided the option to vote in person at designated special polling stations or through postal ballots. In total, 21 Special Polling Stations were established in Jammu, one in Udhampur, and four in Delhi. The record-breaking voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley underscores the region’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and serves as a testament to the resilience of the Indian democratic system.
With an aim to ensure maximum voter participation besides making the electoral process pleasant and enriching, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had established 163 special polling stations of different categories for voters in Anantnag- Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency (PC) which went for polling today in the sixth phase and last phase of general elections to Lok Sabha 2024. These women manned, youth manned, PwDs manned, Green Polling Stations, Border Polling Stations, Model Polling Stations and Unique Polling Stations were designed to cater specifically to women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) besides promoting eco-friendly practices in the region. The polling stations were established under specific themes in all five districts of Anantnag- Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency.
