The third phase of assembly elections is underway in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand. In Kashmir valley despite posters coming up in various constituencies urging people to boycott the poll, people are defying the diktats of separatists and are coming out to exercise their franchise. By noon 27.03% polling was recorded in 16 assembly segments, spread over three districts of Baramulla, Badgam and Pulwama which went to polls in the third phase of five-phased elections today.
Charar-i-Sharief assembly segment in Badgam district where-from J&K Finance Minister Abdul Rahim rather is contesting for the record 7th time had recorded 37.60 % voting . Concerned over the recent spurt in militant violence the authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free fair and peaceful polling in the 16 constituencies going to polls today. Uri Assembly segment in Baramulla which was rocked by fidayeen attack on an Army camp on Friday last recorded impressive 37% voting by noon while another assembly segment Tral in Pulwama which too saw militant violence on Friday recorded over 17 % polling.
Beerwah assembly segment in Badgam district recorded about 30 % polling by noon. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who chose to contest from Beerwah in Budgam district instead of his family bastion of Ganderbal is facing a stiff challenge from sitting PDP MLA and Congress nominee from there. So far no major untoward incident has been reported from any assembly segment barring a minor incident of hurling a petrol bomb by unidentified men at a polling station in Gulmarg constituency of Baramulla district. However, no one was injured in the incident.
In Jharkhand, polling is being held peacefully in all the 17 seats of third phase. In 14 of the 17 Assembly seats, it will end about an hour from now at 3 PM, while voting in Ranchi, Hatia and Kanke would continue upto 5 PM due to use of V. V. PAT by which voters are being shown their voting details slips after voting . Till 11 AM, 30 percent votes were cast. About 50 lakhs voters in this phase have choice to choose from 289 candidates through 9073 Electronic Voting Machines in 5865 polling.
The election trends suggest that this time voting percentage would be higher. Election Commission has made good arrangements for smooth and peaceful voting. There are 472 model booths. More than 35 thousands Central and State police force are employed to provide security .A minor attempt by naxals to create disturbance in Giridih district was foiled by quick retaliatory fire by the police. Today election will decide the 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 .
