Baramulla: In the ongoing Parliamentary polls in the Kashmir valley, the Baramulla constituency achieved a notable milestone, registering a turnout of over 59% on Monday (May 20), with Handwara recording the highest polling percentage at 67.5%, while the Gurez assembly witnessed the lowest.
Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said that the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency recorded approximately 59 per cent voter turnout, marking the highest polling percentage in the democratic history of the constituency.
“This milestone was achieved without any reports of violence throughout the polling day,” he said.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar: "The people of Baramulla have made history today with the highest poll percentage ever recorded for the parliamentary seat and an election day free from violence.”
“The constituency was equipped with 2,103 polling stations, each under CCTV surveillance to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process,” he said.
Pole provided a historical comparison of polling percentages for the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency: 2019: 34.57% 2014: 39.13% 2009: 41.84% 2004: 35.65% 1999: 27.79% 1998: 41.94% 1996: 46.65%.
The electoral battle will decide the fate of former J&K CM and National Conference’s Omar Abdullah, who is in the fray along with Peoples Conference’s Sajad Lone, Awami Ittehad Party’s jailed leader, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and PDP’s Mir Fayaz.