The Nagrota Assembly constituency recorded an impressive 75.08% voter turnout in today’s by-election, with polling proceeding peacefully across all 150 polling stations, according to the Election Commission.
The fate of 10 candidates, including BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and Independent Anil Sharma, now rests in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The counting of votes will take place on November 14, 2023.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Verma informed Daily Excelsior that the by-poll witnessed “completely peaceful and smooth polling.” Verma toured several polling stations during the day. Voters expressed satisfaction with facilities such as wheelchairs, drinking water, and queue management.
Officials confirmed that one or two EVMs required replacement due to technical issues, but polling resumed immediately without disruption.
Turnout figures closely mirrored the 2024 Assembly election, where Nagrota recorded a turnout of 77.66%. This by-election’s turnout thus marks a robust engagement from the electorate.
In the last Assembly election, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana claimed victory with 48,113 votes, while NC’s Joginder Singh followed with 17,641 votes. Meanwhile, Congress candidate Balbir Singh secured only 5,979 votes, highlighting the competitive electoral landscape. A total of 74,083 votes were cast in 2024, and officials predict a similar turnout this time, with the revised electorate slightly higher at around 98,000 voters.
Security measures during the election remained stringent, with a heavy deployment of paramilitary and police personnel at sensitive locations. Election Commission Observers, along with General, Police, and Expenditure observers, monitored several booths, while senior officials were positioned at special polling stations.
After the closure of polling at 6 pm, the EVMs were securely transferred to strong rooms, where they will remain under continuous surveillance until the count.
In a significant technological advancement, presiding officers uploaded booth-wise turnout data using the ‘Presiding Officer App’ under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform. This innovation reduces reporting delays and minimizes human error.
The need for this by-election arose following the sudden death of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana, who passed away shortly after securing victory in the 2024 Assembly elections. The BJP has nominated his daughter, Devyani Rana, an Economics graduate from the University of California, who campaigned on a platform of “professional and inclusive development.”
NC’s Shamim Begum, a sitting DDC member, relied on grassroots connections and party organization strength, while former minister Harshdev Singh, contesting Nagrota for the first time, portrayed himself as an “alternative voice.” Independent candidate Anil Sharma, a former Sarpanch, depended on local support and welfare initiatives.
Voter participation surged notably, with lengthy queues observed at various booths starting at 9 am, aided by favorable weather. Many voters at the Kol Kandoli polling station expressed their intent to vote for the continued development of the Nagrota area.
Nagrota’s political landscape has seen alternation between BJP and NC over the last five elections since 1996. BJP secured wins in 2002, 2008, and 2024, with NC winning in 1996 and 2014. Interestingly, Congress did not field a candidate this time and refrained from participating in NC’s campaign, despite being allies at the Union Territory level.
This by-election in Nagrota, along with another in Budgam, will help fill two vacancies in the 90-member J&K Assembly, which presently has 88 sitting MLAs. These vacancies arose from the death of Devender Singh Rana and the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who vacated Budgam after retaining Ganderbal.
