In Jammu and Kashmir, polling ended peacefully today in 16 assembly constituencies spread over three districts of Baramulla , Badgam and Pulwama that voted in the 3rd phase of the five-phase assembly elections.
Briefing media in New Delhi today Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said, Jammu and Kashmir has registered 58 per cent polling in the third phase and the election was completed peacefully without any untoward incident. He said during the last assembly polls in 2008 voting percentage was 52.13 per cent.
Charar-e-Sharief assembly segment in Badgam district recorded maximum 82.14 per cent polling followed by 79 per cent in Uri Assembly segment of Baramulla constituency. Beerwah Assembly segment recorded 74.14 per cent polling. Seven Assembly segments of District Baramulla recorded overall percentage of about 58 per cent polling while five assembly segments of Badgam district recorded overall 73 per cent percentage . Four Assembly constituencies of Pulwama district recorded overall 42.45 per cent polling.
Despite poll boycott calls by separatist groups and recent militant violence across Kashmir Valley which left 21 persons killed on Friday last , voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. The impressive turnout of voters in the 3rd phase is again a clear rebuff to separatists and militants who by indulging in series of attacks had tried to create a fear psychosis among the electorate so as to desist them from taking part in polling and disrupt the poll exercise. By turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right, people of J&K State especially Kashmir Valley have sent out a loud and clear message that it wants the problems facing the state resolved through democratic process. Voters of Uri Assembly segment in Baramulla district and Tral assembly segment in Pulwama district by turning out in large numbers have given their clear message that they believe in Ballot and not bullet.
In Jharkhand, nearly 61 percent votes of little more than 50 lakhs voters were cast in today third phase for 289 candidates. Voting was held peacefully in all the 17 Assembly seats and barring a minor skirmish with naxals in Giridih in early hours today, in which naxal fled after a brief encounter, no untoward incidence in connection with poll has been reported.
Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said that about 61 percent polling has been reported from Jharkhand. He said, during last assembly polls in 2009 polling per cent was 54.85 per cent.
35 thousands Central and State police force were deployed for peaceful conduct of poll. The voting percentage of 60.89 per cent of today third phase is lower than of first two phases- first phase recorded 62 per cent and second phase saw 68 per cent voting.
Election Commission had made good arrangements for smooth and peaceful voting and also had launched voter awareness drive. Incidentally highest and lowest poll were recorded in Ranchi district – Silli recorded a high of 75 percent, whereas Ranchi 44.44 percent. Today election has sealed fate of some important figures like ex-Speaker CP Singh, ex- Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, AJSU Chief Sudesh Mahto and Ministers Rajendra Prasad Singh and Anapurna Devi.
