J&K local body elections: Smooth and 100% voting in 283 blocks

Srinagar, Oct 24: Nearly 100 percent polling was recorded in Jammu district in the maiden Block Development Council (BDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The electoral exercise, the first in the state after the abrogation of its special status, was boycotted by the Congress, the National Conference, and the PDP.

"Jammu district has registered a polling percentage of 99.5. Out of the 2,703 voters, 2,690 voted in 20 blocks," District Electoral Officer Sushma Chauhan said.

According to the reports, there are 26,629 electors -- 8,313 women and 18,316 men -- for the polls to elect chairpersons of BDCs. Till 11 am, voter turnout in Rajouri was recorded at 62.93 per cent, in Udhampur 50.39 per cent and Reasi 53.88 per cent. The results for the BDC will be announced later in the day.

Security has been beefed up at the polling stations, and for panches and sarpanches, who will vote in the BDC elections.

Reportedly, there are 316 blocks in the state, but the election will be held in 310 as two are without elected panches and sarpanches, and four blocks reserved for women have no women candidates, the officials said.

Jammu district electoral officer Sushma Chauhan said there were no reports untoward incident reported from anywhere in Jammu.

Ballot boxes will be used in the election. The counting of votes will start at 3 pm today.