Jammu and Kashmir Makes an Indelible Mark with Highest Voter Turnout in 35 Years
In a monumental stride for India’s democratic process, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has recorded its highest voter turnout in 35 years during the General Elections (GE) 2024. The Union Territory (UT) witnessed a remarkable 58.46% voter turnout, reflecting the robust democratic spirit and civic engagement of its people. This historic participation underscores a renewed faith in the electoral process and sets a positive precedent for the upcoming assembly elections in the region.
Unprecedented Surge in Kashmir Valley
The most notable increase was observed in the Kashmir Valley, where voter turnout surged by 30 percentage points, from 19.16% in 2019 to an impressive 50.86% in 2024. This dramatic rise highlights the growing trust and enthusiasm among the people of the Valley towards democratic governance.
Commendable Efforts by the Election Commission
The successful conduct of the elections was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. The ECI’s meticulous planning and execution, combined with the hard work of polling personnel and security officials, ensured a peaceful and orderly election process.
CEC Rajiv Kumar praised the voters of J&K, noting a significant increase in civic engagement, with a 25% rise in the number of contesting candidates since 2019. The enhanced involvement was also evident through the C-vigil complaints and 2,455 requests for rallies via the Suvidha Portal, indicating a reclaiming of the electoral and campaign space by the citizens.
Youth Participation: A Beacon of Hope
A significant portion of the voter base comprised young electors aged 18-59 years, whose enthusiastic participation was pivotal to the high voter turnout. This demographic shift towards greater political engagement is a heartening development for the democratic fabric of J&K.
Security and Accessibility Measures
The ECI made special provisions for Kashmiri migrant voters residing in various relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur. These voters were given the option to vote in person at designated special polling stations or via postal ballot. In total, 21 special polling stations were established in Jammu, one in Udhampur, and four in Delhi to facilitate this process.
Detailed Voter Turnout Across Constituencies
The five parliamentary constituencies (PCs) in J&K exhibited diverse yet impressive voter turnouts:
- Srinagar: 38.49%
- Baramulla: 59.1%
- Anantnag-Rajouri: 54.84%
- Udhampur: 68.27%
- Jammu: 72.22%
Extensive Outreach and Awareness Campaigns
A wide range of activities were organized under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program to encourage voting. These included adventure sports events, symposiums, awareness rallies, street plays (nukkad natak), and musical performances across the UT. Unique initiatives, such as creating dummy polling stations in igloos in Baramulla and organizing a para scooter event in Kathua, were also part of the outreach efforts.
Conclusion
The historic voter turnout in J&K for the General Elections 2024 marks a significant milestone in India’s electoral history. This achievement is a testament to the growing democratic engagement among the people of J&K, particularly the youth. The successful and peaceful conduct of the elections, facilitated by the ECI and security officials, paves the way for a vibrant and participative democratic process in the forthcoming assembly elections.
The remarkable increase in voter turnout is not just a victory for J&K but a celebration of democracy in India. As the region prepares for its assembly elections, the renewed democratic enthusiasm promises a brighter, more inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir.
