Ground Report

Udhampur (J&K), April 23 – Defying scorching summer heat, electors were seen queuing up outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise across all the six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua in Udhampur Parliamentary constituency today.

 The young voters, motivated by extensive media campaign on exercising their right to vote, were conspicuous by their presence outside the polling stations. Ms. Meenu Gupta, first-time voter, standing outside the polling station Bal Niketan-A001, located at High School, Kishtwar reflected the spirit of young India. When quizzed about her experience, she said, “Voting gives us the right to elect our representatives who would take decisions for us. One must not shy away from it.” Another first-timer, Ms. Vina Devi was among those to cast her vote by 9.15 a.m. at 8-C PS, set up at Boys Primary school, Lawang-Alwa in Bani Assembly segment of Kathua district.

Likewise, Ved Singh, 22 was the first time voter to cast his vote at polling station-33 at Government High School, Batroo-Ramsoo in Ramban Assembly segment. Another first-timer, Mr. Mohammad Azim Banday from Kalwanti cast his vote at PS-63 in Ramnagar Assembly segment. Among the first-timers also, the enthusiasm among women voters was more visible.

 Reflecting the unflinching faith of voters in democracy, the centurions matched the enthusiasm of young in coming out to cast their votes. At several polling stations across the constituency, old men and women outnumbered the young in coming out to vote. 100-year-old Mr. Ghulam Mohammad cast his vote at PS-88 in Basohli segment while Mrs. Sukh Devi, 100, cast her vote at PS-72 at Boys Middle School, Mahore in Gulabgarh segment. Escorted by her relatives, 105 year-old Mrs. Giano Devi proudly displayed her voting sign after coming out of the polling station 31-A at Middle School, Bani.   

Interestingly, the senior citizens were clearly ahead of their young counterparts among those who were first to cast their votes at the different polling stations. Mr. Saloo Ram, 85 was the first to cast his vote at PS-B-4 at Boys MS, Roulka in Bani segment. Another, Mr. Isher Dass, 85, was the first to cast his vote at PS-18 Amrota Girls Primary School.

Physically-challenged, 80-year-old, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa was the first voter to cast his vote at PS-11-K at Animal Husbandry department in Kishtwar.

Similarly, Khursheeda Begum, 74, was the first voter to cast her vote at PS-4 in Primary School at Kharpara, Banihal.

Latest Segment-wise tentative poll percentage of  5- Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency.