Jammu, Nov 28 (UNI) The State Election Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir said here that the first phase of District Development Council elections was conducted successfully on Saturday, recording 51.76 per cent polling.

Addressing a press conference here, SEC KK Sharma said that polling was by-and-large peaceful in 43 constituencies of DDC, in which 3,62,766 voters, including 1,93,375 males and 1,69,391 females out of total 7,00,842 electorate, exercised their franchise.

The SEC further said that Reasi District recorded the highest polling at 74.62 per cent, followed by Rajouri district at 70.52 per cent and Poonch with 68.69 per cent polling.

In Kashmir Division, Budgam district recorded highest polling at 56.96 per cent, followed by Kupwara District at 50.74 per cent and Ganderbal with around 48.62 per cent polling.

Giving the district wise details, the SEC said that in Kashmir Division, the polling percentage recorded in Bandipora was 43.57 per cent, Baramulla registered 32.51 per cent, Srinagar 33.76 per cent, Pulwama 6.70 per cent, Shopian 42.58 per cent, Kulgam 34.35 per cent and Anantnag recorded 43.32 per cent.

In Jammu division, 55.16 per cent voters exercised their democratic right in Kishtwar, while Doda recorded 64.49 per cent polling, Ramban 64.21 per cent, Udhampur 57.13 per cent, Kathua 62.82 per cent, Samba 68.61 per cent and Jammu 61.49 per cent.

He said large number of people had come out to cast their votes during the first phase of DDC elections and the Panch/Sarpanch bypolls.

Long queues were seen outside the electoral booths, despite the severe cold conditions in Kashmir Division and hilly areas of Jammu Division, he added.

The SEC said that the DDC elections will play a decisive role towards development at the grassroot level, adding that polling ended on a peaceful note across the region.

He appreciated each and every stakeholder for their tireless efforts, in the successful conduct of the polling process. Adequate security personnel were deployed at all polling stations, to ensure smooth conduct of the polls, said Mr Sharma.

The SEC further informed that arrangements regarding second phase of elections have been put in place, which is going to be held in 43 constituencies, including 25 in Kashmir division and 18 in Jammu division.

UNI VBH RJ 2020