 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 19: The first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's elections witnessed an impressive 59% voter turnout, a historic moment marking a renewed faith in democracy across the region. Gaurav Gupta, former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry , lauded the overwhelming participation, stating, "The people of J&K have spoken loud and clear-boycott is a thing of the past, and the ballot is the future."
Gaurav said that this election, the first in over a decade, has drawn voters in bulk, with Kishtwar recording a remarkable 77.23% turnout, the highest across all districts. Even regions like Shopian, Tral, and Pulwama, traditionally impacted by insurgency, saw enthusiastic voter participation-signifying a profound transformation in the electoral landscape since the abrogation of Article 370. Pulwama, often noted for low turnout, recorded a respectable 46.03%, breaking past patterns, he added.
Gaurav Gupta praised Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole for their pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful and well-coordinated election process. Their leadership has contributed significantly to restoring the people's confidence in the electoral system and reinforcing democratic values, he added.
"This record turnout is not just about numbers-it's about the unwavering spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are ready to shape their own future through democracy," he said and emphasized that the massive participation reflects the renewed optimism and hope injected into the region post-Article 370, fueling aspirations for growth, peace, and development.
With the first phase completed successfully, he urged voters to maintain the same enthusiasm in the subsequent phases, stressing that each vote is a powerful step toward shaping a more peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. |
