Budgam/Nagrota, Nov 11 : Braving sub-zero temperatures, voters in both Budgam (AC-27) and Nagrota (AC-77) stepped out early this morning, forming long queues outside polling stations well before the clock struck 7 a.m., as polling for the twin Assembly by-elections got underway.
As per news agency , in Budgam’s Chadoora, Beerwah and central Budgam areas, men and women waited patiently in extended lines despite the biting cold. Polling is scheduled to continue uninterrupted till 6 p.m. at all designated stations.
Security has been intensified across both constituencies, with paramilitary forces and local police deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful voting. Officials said Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are functioning normally, with no major technical issues reported so far. Heating arrangements and basic medical assistance have been placed at vulnerable polling sites due to the harsh weather.
Young voters, especially first-time participants, expressed enthusiasm about taking part in the democratic process. “We shouldn’t miss our vote it has the power to shape our future,” said a young voter outside a Budgam booth.
The District Election Officer Budgam has urged residents to step out in large numbers, assuring that polling will remain transparent and peaceful throughout the day. Turnout is expected to rise as temperatures improve later in the morning.
The Budgam bypoll has drawn considerable attention with NC’s Aga Syed Mehmood, PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir, BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin and several independent candidates in the fray.
In Nagrota AC-77, the contest features BJP’s Devyani Raina, NC’s Shamim Begum, National Panthers Party president Harsh Dev Singh, along with several other candidates, making it a closely watched multi-cornered battle. (KNC)
