Festive scenes revisited Jammu division on Monday as huge crowds of voters thronged polling booths amid phase-4 polling of eight-phase elections to District Development Councils and Panchayat-by polls.
Polling was held in seventeen District Development Council Constituencies across the division. Men, women, old aged and first time voters attired in colorful woolens provide a festive spectacle at each polling booth. The voters were seen patiently waiting for their turn while standing in serpentine queues.
The enthusiasm same among all age groups as voters ranging from first timers to nonagenarians turned up in large numbers to vote.
Durgi Devi 90 envied many with her physical strength- when she came all the way from her village to polling booth 002 Ukhral – Ramban to cast her vote. Not ready to lag behind, women voters evinced great enthusiasm. The polling station at Harsool in same constituency reflected the enthusiasm of women voters as they turn up in huge numbers to vote for empowering their area.
The polling in Ramban was held for Ukhral-A and Ukhral-B DDC constituencies.
Lal Hussain- stood tall when he led his nomadic family to polling booth Sewna- in Udhampur district, where polling was held for Narsoo and Ghordi DDC constituencies with a total 22745 eligible voters.
In Kathua district, Eighty year old Kanshi Ram voted at GHS Dinga Ambh-B. Specially abled Radhe Shayam , 60 voted at Chal Lagran; “I have come to vote for development of my village” he said with a smile. Age being no bar, nonagenarian Roshan Lal (97), helped by his family members, voted at Higher Secondary School Forelain; Block Dinga Amb- the Lone DDC constituency of the District where polling was held under the Phase-4. Physically challenged-Harsh Sudan 45 also voted at the same polling booth to use the power of his vote.
Seva Singh- stole the show when he led his family to nearby Polling Booth in Marmat DDC Constituency of Doda- hours before his marriage ceremony. Fully dressed in wedding attire, the Groom and his family were warmly welcomed by polling staff and other voters.
District Poonch, where polling was held for Nangali Sahib and Sathra DDC constituencies – polled around 40 percent votes within four hours of voting process reflecting the huge enthusiasm among the voters.
Fourth Phase DDC polling in Kishtwar district was held in Inderwal and Mughalmaidan. Despite cloudy weather, the people from all walks of life and age groups came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise amid administrative and security arrangements.
The polling in Reasi was held in the DDC constituency Jijbagli, witnessing huge public participation.
Border district Samba also continued the high voter turnout trend as it recorded about 50 percent polling by 12 noon where polling was held for Ghagwal and Ramgarh -A, DDC constituencies.
All the logistic arrangements were made available by the concerned district administration to ensure smooth and hassle free polling. The police department also ensured the deployment of sufficient number of police personnel to avoid any untoward incident.
The polling passed off peacefully amid strict adherence to the COVID19 SOPs at each polling station.