SteadyPolling for Udhampur Lok Sabha seat in J&K

Jammu, April 23 -Steady Polling began on Thuresday in the second phase of five-phased Lok Sabha elections across all the 17 Assembly segments of Udhampur Parliamentary constituency spread over six districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua. 

Voters were seen lined up outside several polling stations waiting for their turn to cast vote. About 1,972 polling stations have been set up across the constituency to facilitate voters.

As many as 13.62 lakh electors, including 8,654 service voters, will decide fate of 14 contestants in fray for Udhampur Parliamentary constituency (PC), going to polls today along with 139 other constituencies in 12 states of the country. The contestants include four independents and a lone woman. 

The Assembly segments going to polls are Kishtwar and Inderwal in Kishtwar district, Doda and Bhaderwah in Doda district, Ramban and Banihal in Ramban district, Gulabgarh, Reasi and Gool-Arnas in Reasi district, Udhampur, Chenani and Ramnagar in Udhampur district and Bani, Basohli, Kathua, Billawar and Hiranagar in Kathua district.

SIDELIGHTS – I

– Steady polling is being reported across all 17 Assembly segments of Udhampur Parliamentary constituency as well as Bhaderwah Assembly bye-poll, with enthusiastic voters queuing up at various polling stations to repose faith in democracy by casting their votes early morning today.

Defying old age and brimming with young energy, voters were seen making a beeline for their respective polling stations to exercise their electoral franchise. Mr. Sattar Mohammad, a 106-year-old man with a glint in his eye, cast his vote at Polling Station 39, Middle School Kohsar, in Chenani Assembly segment. Similarly, at 76 Chhatrari Polling Station set up at Middle School, in Ramnagar Assembly segment, Mr. Hans Raj was the first to cast his vote at 7.05 a.m. today morning.

Likewise, Mr. Chandu Ram, 97, exercised his franchise at Government Middle School, Katha, in Ramnagar Assembly segment early today. After casting his vote, he said that he voted for development and peace in the State.        

Keeping her date with democracy, Mrs. Leela Devi, 93, cast her vote at Polling Station 3C, in Kishtwar Assembly segment. Not to be left behind, a number of young first-time voters also cast their votes at a number of polling stations. 

With time ticking by, a number of voters were coming to their respective polling stations to cast their vote.   

Election Update  at 9.00 a.m.