173 polling stations for 1.26 lakh voters
Suhail Bhat
BUDGAM, Nov 10: Budgam is set to vote in a closely watched by-election tomorrow, with officials saying all arrangements have been finalized to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling across the constituency.
The bypoll was called after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who won both Budgam and Ganderbal seats in the 2024 Assembly elections, vacated Budgam and retained Ganderbal. Abdullah had secured 35,804 votes in Budgam, defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who polled 17,445 votes.
Seventeen candidates are in the fray this time, including seven Independents. However, the main contest is expected between the National Conference’s (NC) Aga Syed Mahmood and the PDP’s Aga Syed Muntazir, both influential figures in the Shia-majority district. Other key contenders include BJP’s Aga Syed Mohsin, Awami Ittehad Party’s Nazir Ahmad Khan, Aam Aadmi Party’s Deeba Khan and Independent candidate Muntazir Mohiuddin.
District Election Officer (DEO) Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat said all 173 polling stations are ready and polling staff have been dispatched under full security cover. “Polling will begin at 7 am and continue until 6 p.m. We have ensured the welfare of polling staff and smooth conduct of the elections,” he told the Excelsior.
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Dr Bhat urged all 1,26,025 registered voters, especially young voters, to participate actively. “We hope to see a record turnout. Our team has worked hard to ensure and voter awareness,” he said.
He added that every polling station has been declared critical and equipped with CCTV cameras and webcasting, monitored live from the district control room. “General, police, and expenditure observers are on duty, and all security and communication plans are in place,” he said.
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To promote inclusivity, the Election Commission’s “Inclusive Elections” theme has been implemented through women-led pink booths, green polling stations, and youth-led and differently-abled polling stations. “All polling staff and vehicles are GPS-tracked to ensure transparency,” he said.
Returning Officer Afrooza Bano said the 173 polling stations have been divided into seven zones and 18 sectors for better management. Basic amenities such as water, electricity, food, and bedding have been arranged. “Ramps and wheelchairs have been provided for voters with disabilities, while those over 85 can vote at home. A postal voting center has been set up for officials on duty,” she said.
Mobile phones will not be allowed inside polling booths, and voters will be required to deposit them before entering. Accredited journalists will be allowed to film only from designated areas in accordance with Election Commission guidelines.
Bhat said polling staff were assigned through a three-stage randomization process in the presence of political parties and observers to ensure impartiality. “Our efforts will only succeed if voters come out in large numbers and strengthen democracy,” he added.
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