The Nagrota Assembly constituency recorded an impressive 75.08 percent voter turnout in today’s by-election, with polling passing off peacefully across all 150 polling stations, according to the Election Commission.
The fate of ten candidates, including BJP’s Devyani Rana, NC’s Shamim Begum, JKNPP-I’s Harshdev Singh, and independent Anil Sharma, has been sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Verma emphasized that the by-poll witnessed “completely peaceful and smooth polling.” Verma, who toured several polling stations during the day, noted that voters expressed satisfaction with facilities including wheelchairs, drinking water, and effective queue management.
Officials confirmed that a couple of EVMs were replaced due to technical issues, but polling resumed immediately without disruption, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Notably, the turnout figures approach the record of 2024, which registered a 77.66% turnout. Last year, BJP’s Devender Singh Rana won with 48,113 votes, followed by NC’s Joginder Singh with 17,641 votes. Congress candidate Balbir Singh secured only 5,979 votes while the other candidates polled in three digits. A total of 74,083 votes were cast in 2024.
Officials stated that a similar number of votes have been cast this time, with the revised electorate slightly higher at around 98,000 voters.
In terms of security, adequate measures were in place, ensuring heavy deployment of paramilitary and police personnel at sensitive locations. Election Commission observers, including General, Police, and Expenditure observers, visited multiple booths, and senior officials were present at special polling stations.
After the conclusion of polling at 6 PM, EVMs were securely transported to strong rooms, where they will remain under round-the-clock surveillance until counting day.
This by-election marked the first time presiding officers uploaded booth-wise turnout data using the ‘Presiding Officer App’ under the ECI’s Integrated ECTNet platform, which significantly reduced delays and minimized human error in reporting.
The necessity for this by-election arose after the sudden death of BJP stalwart Devender Singh Rana, who passed away shortly after winning the Assembly seat in 2024.
The BJP fielded his daughter Devyani Rana, an Economics graduate from the University of California, who campaigned on a platform of “professional and inclusive development.” NC’s Shamim Begum, a sitting DDC member, relied on grassroots connect and the strength of her party organization.
Former minister Harshdev Singh contested Nagrota for the first time, positioning himself as an “alternative voice,” while independent Anil Sharma, a former Sarpanch, relied on local support and welfare promises.
Many voters queued outside polling booths, especially after 9 AM, as sunny weather encouraged higher participation. Voters at Kol Kandoli polling station mentioned they were casting their ballots “to continue the pace of development in the Nagrota area.”
The political landscape in Nagrota has shifted with varying allegiances over the last five elections since 1996 — BJP won in 2002, 2008, and 2024, while NC secured victories in 1996 and 2014. Intriguingly, the Congress did not field a candidate this time and withdrew support from NC’s campaign despite being alliance partners at the UT level.
Both the Nagrota and Budgam by-polls aim to fill two vacancies in the 90-member Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, which currently has only 88 sitting MLAs. These vacancies arose due to the passing of Devender Singh Rana and the resignation of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who vacated Budgam after retaining Ganderbal.
