NOV 12:The polling process for the bye-elections to the 27–Budgam and 77–Nagrota Assembly Constituencies in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir concluded successfully and peacefully today. The vacancies in these constituencies arose due to the resignation of Sh. Omar Abdullah, who was elected from two Assembly segments, and the unfortunate demise of Sh. Davinder Singh Rana.
The Election Commission of India had announced the bye-elections on October 6, 2025, alongside the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar. The nomination process began on October 13, with the final withdrawal date set for October 24. A total of 17 candidates contested from 27–Budgam, while 10 candidates were in the fray from 77–Nagrota.
There were 1,26,025 registered electors in Budgam and 97,980 in Nagrota. To facilitate voters, 173 polling stations were established in Budgam and 150 in Nagrota, each equipped with all Assured Minimum Facilities. Due to a higher number of candidates, two Ballot Units were deployed at each Budgam polling station.
Additionally, 24 Special Polling Stations were established for Kashmiri Migrant voters—19 in Jammu, one in Udhampur, and four in Delhi. These stations enabled physical voting under the special scheme for migrants.
Polling was held from 7 AM to 6 PM across all locations. As of 7:30 PM, Budgam recorded a voter turnout of 50.01%, while Nagrota registered a strong 74.82%. Among special polling stations, 157 votes were polled in Jammu, 11 in Udhampur, and 10 in Delhi.
For the first time, polling data was transmitted directly by Presiding Officers using the specially designed ‘Presiding Officer App’, part of the Election Commission’s Integrated ECTNet platform, ensuring faster and more accurate turnout reporting.
The counting of votes will take place on November 14, 2025. To ensure transparency and smooth conduct, the Election Commission deployed General, Police, and Expenditure Observers, along with senior officers overseeing polling and counting at all special stations.
