The Nagrota Assembly constituency recorded an impressive 75.08 percent voter turnout in today’s by-election, with polling proceeding peacefully across all 150 polling stations. The Election Commission reported smooth operations, ensuring voters accessed their democratic rights without disruption.
Voters sealed the fate of 10 candidates, including BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and Independent Anil Sharma, in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The counting of votes will occur on November 14, a date eagerly awaited by party supporters.
Chief Electoral Officer Sanjeev Verma confirmed to Daily Excelsior that the by-poll witnessed “completely peaceful and smooth polling.” During his tour of several polling stations, Verma noted voters expressed satisfaction with facilities like wheelchairs, drinking water, and effective queue management.
Officials replaced one or two EVMs due to technical issues, but polling resumed immediately, ensuring no disruption to the electoral process.
Notably, the current turnout closely mirrors figures from the recent 2024 Assembly elections, which recorded a 77.66% rate. This by-election’s commendable turnout highlights the electorate’s engagement in political processes, particularly in a constituency that has seen active partisan competition.
In the last assembly elections, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana won with 48,113 votes, followed by NC’s Joginder Singh with 17,641 votes, while Congress candidate Balbir Singh received just 5,979 votes. In 2024, a total of 74,083 votes were cast.
Preliminary assessments suggest a similar voter turnout this time, with the revised electorate slightly higher at around 98,000 voters.
Security measures proved adequate, featuring a heavy deployment of paramilitary and police personnel at sensitive locations throughout the constituency. Election Commission Observers, including general, police, and expenditure observers, visited multiple booths, ensuring compliance with electoral protocols.
After the polls closed at 6 pm, officials securely transferred the EVMs to the strong rooms, where they will remain under round-the-clock surveillance until the counting day.
For the first time, presiding officers utilized the ‘Presiding Officer App’ under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform. This technological advancement allowed booth-wise turnout data to be uploaded, significantly reducing the potential for human error in reporting.
The by-election occurred following the sudden death of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana, who passed shortly after winning the Assembly seat in 2024. In his absence, BJP has fielded his daughter Devyani Rana, who holds a degree in Economics from the University of California, campaigning on a platform of “professional and inclusive development.”
NC’s candidate, Shamim Begum, a sitting DDC member, relied on her strong grassroots connections and the party’s organizational strength. Former minister Harshdev Singh, contesting Nagrota for the first time, positioned himself as an “alternative voice,” while Independent candidate Anil Sharma, a former Sarpanch, sought local support through welfare assurances.
Long queues formed at several booths after 9 am as sunny weather coaxed voters out in large numbers. Voters at the Kol Kandoli polling station expressed their intent to cast ballots to sustain the ongoing pace of development in the Nagrota area.
Historically, Nagrota has oscillated between the BJP and NC over the last five elections since 1996, with the BJP winning in 2002, 2008, and 2024, while the NC had successes in 1996 and 2014. Congress did not field a candidate this time, refraining from participating in NC’s campaign despite being alliance partners at the UT level.
The Nagrota and Budgam by-polls will fill two vacancies in the 90-member J&K Assembly, which currently has 88 sitting MLAs. These vacancies arose due to the demise of Devender Singh Rana and the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who vacated Budgam after retaining Ganderbal.
