Drugs, Cash, Freebies worth Rs 124 Cr seized ahead of polls
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Sept 18: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its first phase of assembly elections on Wednesday in seven districts, marking a significant moment in the region’s political history.
The polls come after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, and the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, reflecting the vibrant political climate. Despite security concerns, the elections were conducted peacefully, building on the positive precedent set during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The polling process took place across 24 constituencies, which are part of a broader three-phase election. Of these, 16 constituencies are in Kashmir, while 8 are located in the Jammu region. This first phase recorded a voter turnout of 58.85%, with Kishtwar leading the charge with the highest turnout of 77.23%. Doda West followed closely with 69.33% voter participation, according to data provided by the Election Commission of India.
In the months leading up to the elections, political fervor across Jammu and Kashmir reached a new high. Discussions about the elections dominated conversations in towns, villages, and cities alike, and the emergence of new candidates highlighted the changing political dynamics of the region. These new faces are keen to prove their leadership abilities and represent the evolving aspirations of the people.
From the plains to the borders, rallies, campaign meetings, and spirited political discussions filled the streets, signaling that the electorate was ready to exercise its democratic rights. The enthusiastic voter turnout, particularly in districts like Kishtwar, showcased the public’s desire for political representation and progress.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar had earlier expressed confidence that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would participate wholeheartedly in the electoral process, defying any attempts to disrupt the polls. His words were echoed in the long queues at polling stations, with voters of all ages coming forward to make their voices heard.
Voters from diverse sections of society participated with enthusiasm, underscoring their belief in the democratic process. Notably, young voters and women took center stage, displaying a strong desire for change. Their presence at polling stations sent a resounding message in favor of peaceful, ballot-driven political engagement, and against the violence and boycott movements that have occasionally marred elections in the past.
A total of 3,276 polling stations were set up across 24 constituencies in districts including Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda. These districts saw voter participation that surpassed the turnout during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which had registered 58.58%, the highest in 35 years.
To ensure the elections proceeded smoothly, extensive security and logistical measures were put in place by the Election Commission of India. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, closely monitored the process. The authorities employed webcasting at all polling stations and deployed 32 Central Observers to maintain transparency and security.
Kashmiri migrant voters were also given special attention, with 24 dedicated polling stations set up across Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. These arrangements aimed to simplify the voting process for migrant voters by abolishing the cumbersome Form-M and introducing a self-certification process.
For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral history, a home-voting facility was introduced. This allowed voters aged 85 and above, along with Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who have a disability of 40% or more, to cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes. This initiative underscored the Election Commission’s commitment to an inclusive electoral process.
Polling stations were equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs), including drinking water, electricity, toilets, ramps, furniture, and assistance for voters with disabilities. In each constituency, at least one polling station was exclusively managed by women or PwD staff, ensuring a comfortable and dignified voting experience.
The Election Commission also utilized technology to enhance transparency and efficiency. The cVIGIL app was instrumental in handling electoral malpractice complaints, with a 98.3% disposal rate for the 355 complaints received. The Suvidha platform processed 4,458 requests for permissions from political parties for rallies and other events, ensuring a smooth campaign process.
Security measures were further tightened to prevent voter inducement and illegal practices. As of September 18, 2024, seizures of drugs, narcotics, and illegal cash by enforcement agencies amounted to Rs. 124.3 crore, including Rs. 107.9 crore in narcotics and Rs. 15 crore in illegal freebies. The Election Commission emphasized its resolve to ensure a free and fair election process in the upcoming phases.
Even the most remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir were brought into the fold of the democratic exercise. A shining example of this was seen in Dhadkai, known as the “Silent Village” for its population of people with speech and hearing impairments. These voters, empowered by the electoral process, participated at Polling Station 195 in Bhadarwah Assembly Constituency, in Doda district.
The provisional voter turnout of 58.85% as of 7:30 PM on election day will continue to be updated as polling parties return to their stations and statutory processes are completed. The Election Commission plans to release updated figures by 11:45 PM and will address any necessary repolls if required.
The second and third phases of the assembly elections are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively, with the final counting of votes set for October 8, 2024.
The first phase includes key constituencies such as Tral, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Pahalgam in South Kashmir, areas historically affected by militancy. In the Jammu region, constituencies like Kishtwar, Bhadarwah, and Ramban also went to the polls. The Congress-National Conference alliance is competing against other major parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and People’s Conference, each looking to strengthen their foothold in the region.
Notable candidates include CPI (M)’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, seeking his fifth consecutive term from Kulgam, and Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, contesting from the family stronghold of Srigufwara-Bijbehara. Waheed-ur-Rehman Para of the PDP, contesting from Pulwama, is another key figure in this election.
The results of this election will shape the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as it continues its journey toward stability and governance under the new post-Article 370 framework.
Meanwhile, ahead of the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s highly anticipated assembly elections, enforcement agencies executed a firm crackdown on illicit activities, leading to the seizure of drugs, cash, and freebies worth over Rs 124.3 crore. This massive haul includes Rs 107.9 crore in narcotics and Rs 15 crore in illegal cash and freebies, reinforcing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) commitment to ensure free and fair elections in the region.
With the first phase of polling, held on September 18, recording a voter turnout of 58.85%, the crackdown served as a significant deterrent against efforts to influence voters through illicit means. The seizure marks one of the most robust anti-inducement operations seen in the region, underscoring the ECI’s focus on integrity in the democratic process.
The enforcement actions targeted not only narcotics but also attempts to sway voters through cash and material incentives. The authorities, aided by technology and intelligence-based operations, intensified their efforts in the run-up to the election to curb money power in the remaining phases of voting, which are scheduled for September 25 and October 1.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and his team closely monitored the preparations to prevent disruptions in the election process. The seizures reflect the ECI’s resolve to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process, with significant security and logistical measures in place to protect voters from undue influence.
As Jammu and Kashmir moves forward with its electoral process, the crackdown on illicit activities has set the tone for what is expected to be a transparent and credible election, free from the shadow of unlawful practices.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
