Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Apr 17 (KNS): With the electoral fervor reaching its zenith, the stage is set for a gripping showdown in the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency as it braces for the first phase of General Elections slated for April 19.
This crucial electoral contest will determine the fate of 12 candidates vying for the mandate of over 16.23 lakh voters.
Spanning across five districts including Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Kathua, the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency presents a diverse electoral landscape.
Boasting an expansive area of 16,707 square kilometers, it hosts a vibrant electorate comprising 845,283 male voters, 777,899 female voters, and 13 third-gender voters, reflecting the inclusive essence of the democratic process.
In Kishtwar district, where three Assembly Segments await the verdict, a total of 175,897 electors are poised to exercise their franchise, with a balanced representation of male and female voters.
Doda district, contributing significantly to the electoral roll with three Assembly Segments, houses 305,093 voters, while Ramban district, with two Assembly Segments, accounts for 219,124 registered electors.
Udhampur District, with its four Assembly Segments, presents a sizable electorate of 419,854, followed closely by Kathua district, boasting six Assembly Segments and a robust participation of 503,227 registered voters.
To ensure a smooth voting process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 2,637 polling stations across the constituency, equipped with 3,658 Ballot Units, 3,570 Control Units, and 3,636 VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), underscoring its commitment to accuracy and integrity in the electoral process. Additionally, 1,472 polling stations will feature webcasting facilities, further enhancing transparency.
The culmination of high-octane campaigning marked the end of an era of intense political maneuvering in the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat of Jammu & Kashmir. With the spotlight on Union Minister Jitendra Singh seeking a third term, the electoral battleground witnessed a triangular contest, including formidable challengers such as Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) candidate G M Saroori.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Udhampur injected vigor into the BJP's campaign, highlighting achievements and promising the restoration of statehood. In contrast, opposition parties, particularly the Congress and DPAP, scrutinized BJP's governance, spotlighting issues such as Article 370 abrogation and the delay in holding assembly elections.
As the electorate awaits the crucial polling day on April 19, the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat emerges as a pivotal battleground, embodying the aspirations and dynamics of a region navigating through political transformations.
With the outcome poised to shape the future trajectory of the constituency, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the electoral horizon, awaiting the verdict of the people.(KNS)