Voting is underway in the by-elections to eight assembly constituencies spread across six states and one Union territory, with the Election Commission enforcing strict security measures to ensure a smooth and fair polling process.
The constituencies going to the polls include Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatshila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha.
According to early reports by the poll panel, voter turnout by 3 pm has been encouraging across all constituencies. Budgam recorded a turnout of 42.64%, while Nagrota saw a strong 65.14%.
Jharkhand’s Ghatshila and Mizoram’s Dampa registered voter participation rates of 69.07% and 75.15%, respectively. Odisha’s Nuapada reported 65.56%, Rajasthan’s Anta 64.68%, Punjab’s Tarn Taran 48.84%, and Telangana’s Jubilee Hills, had a turnout of 40.20%.
The vote count is slated for November 14, alongside the Bihar elections.
These by-elections serve as important indicators of political trends and party influence in the respective regions. With the Election Commission’s vigilant monitoring and robust security arrangements, the emphasis remains on maintaining the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their franchise freely and without disruption.