The Nagrota Assembly constituency witnessed an impressive 75.08 percent voter turnout in its recent by-election, which took place peacefully across all 150 polling stations. The Election Commission highlights the electoral process as an example of smooth democracy in action.
Ten candidates vied for victory today, including prominent figures such as BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and Independent Anil Sharma. The final verdict on their fate will emerge following the vote counting scheduled for November 14.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjeev Verma, expressed satisfaction with the polling process. “We observed completely peaceful and smooth polling,” he noted after visiting various polling stations. Voters received facilities such as wheelchairs, drinking water, and effective queue management, enhancing their voting experience.
Election officials reported that one or two EVMs faced technical issues but were promptly replaced, allowing polling to resume without interruption.
Interestingly, the turnout figure this by-election remains close to the 2024 Assembly election results, which recorded a turnout of 77.66%. Last year, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana won decisively with 48,113 votes, while NC’s Joginder Singh garnered 17,641 votes. This year, the electorate increased slightly, with around 98,000 voters registered.
Security measures ensured a peaceful environment, with an extensive deployment of paramilitary and police personnel stationed at sensitive locations. Observers from the Election Commission, encompassing General, Police, and Expenditure category, closely monitored several booths, enhancing the electoral integrity.
After polling concluded at 6 pm, officials securely transferred the EVMs to strong rooms for safekeeping. The EVMs will remain under continuous surveillance until the counting day.
This election marked the first instance of presiding officers using the ‘Presiding Officer App’ to upload booth-wise turnout data. This technology initiative under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform aims to minimize delays and human errors in data reporting.
The by-election became necessary following the untimely passing of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana, who died shortly after winning the 2024 Assembly seat. The BJP nominated his daughter, Devyani Rana, who holds a degree in Economics from the University of California and campaigned on principles of professional and inclusive development.
Shamim Begum, of the National Conference, who currently serves as a DDC member, relied on grassroots connections for support. Former minister Harshdev Singh, new to this constituency, projected himself as a reliable alternative voice while Independent candidate, Anil Sharma, tapped into local welfare promises.
The sunshine and clear skies prompted long queues at polling booths after 9 am, illustrating voter enthusiasm. At the Kol Kandoli polling station, residents expressed a desire to vote, stating they aimed to continue the pace of development in their area.
Politically, Nagrota has witnessed a seesaw battle between the BJP and NC across the last five elections since 1996, with BJP securing victories in 2002, 2008, and 2024, while NC claimed wins in 1996 and 2014. The Congress party did not field a candidate this time and refrained from supporting NC’s campaign, despite being alliance partners at the union territory level.
The Nagrota and Budgam by-polls serve to fill two vacancies in the 90-member J&K Assembly, which currently accommodates 88 MLAs. These vacancies arose due to the death of Devender Singh Rana and the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who vacated Budgam after winning Ganderbal.
