Jammu, April 19 (KNB(: The first phase of general elections in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur parliamentary constituency commenced today, with over 16.23 lakh eligible voters gearing up to cast their ballots. Despite the relentless rain, voting began at 7 am across 2,637 polling stations in the constituency.
This crucial electoral battle will determine the fate of 12 candidates, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who seeks a third term after securing the seat for the BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Notably, this election marks a significant milestone as it is the first major poll since the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.
Among the contenders, Congress leader and two-time former Member of Parliament Choudhary Lal Singh and DPAP’s G. M. Saroori stand out. Additionally, six independent candidates are vying for victory.
Despite the inclement weather, early morning voters demonstrated their commitment by heading to the polling stations. A robust security apparatus, comprising over 11,000 polling staff, has been deployed to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Udhampur, sprawling across 16,707 square kilometers, encompasses 18 assembly segments spanning five districts: Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Kathua.
The constituency underwent reshaping, with three assembly constituencies from Reasi district carved out based on the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission in 2022. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Udhampur recorded a commendable 70.2 percent voter turnout.
Webcasting facilities have been set up in 1,472 polling stations to enhance transparency and accountability. The diverse electorate comprises 16,23,195 eligible voters, including 845,283 men, 777,899 women, and 13 third-gender voters.
Of the total polling stations, 2,457 are in rural areas, while 180 are in urban areas. Kathua boasts the highest number of polling stations (701), followed by Udhampur (654), Doda (529), Kishtwar (405), and Ramban (348).
An inclusive approach is evident, with 23,637 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) included in the electoral roll. This group comprises 14,362 males and 9,275 females, along with 403 centenarians who are actively participating in the democratic process.
Additionally, there are 84,468 potential first-time voters, aged 18-19 years, among whom 45,825 are men, 38,641 are women, and two belong to the third gender.
The constituency also boasts a substantial elderly population, with 12,020 men and 13,612 women aged 80 and above, collectively contributing to the electoral discourse. As the day unfolds, the people of Udhampur exercise their democratic right, shaping the future of their region and the nation.(KNB)