173 Polling Stations Set Up Across 111 Locations for Budgam Bye-Election

SRINAGAR: A total of 173 polling stations have been established across 111 polling locations in the 27–Budgam Assembly Constituency ahead of the upcoming bye-election, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Verma announced during his visit to the district on Monday to review election preparedness.

Chairing a detailed review meeting with officials, the CEO assessed polling station–wise arrangements and preparations for the smooth conduct of the bye-election. District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, presented a comprehensive report outlining the district’s readiness through a detailed presentation.

The meeting was attended by Joint Chief Electoral Officer Anil Salgotra, ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, ACR and Returning Officer for 27–AC Budgam, Deputy DEO Budgam, and other key district officers associated with the election process.

Addressing the gathering, the CEO stressed the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and timely implementation of all election guidelines. He directed officers to enhance voter awareness through door-to-door campaigns under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative and to ensure extensive monitoring of election expenditure and media activity.

The CEO also instructed the formation of booth-level committees and called for the popularisation of Election Commission of India (ECI) apps among the public. He urged that activities under SVEEP, including plantation drives, sanitation initiatives, and voter slip distribution, be intensified to encourage greater public participation in what he called the “festival of democracy.”

During the review, the CEO assessed arrangements related to transport, material distribution, staff deployment and training, webcasting, home voting facilities, and other logistical aspects.

Presenting the district’s overall readiness, DEO Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat informed that all polling locations have been equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs), including electricity, drinking water, toilets, ramps, and proper signage to ensure voter convenience. He said that election preparedness parameters had been thoroughly examined in coordination with concerned departments, covering EVM and VVPAT functionality, control room operations, and accessibility provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

The DEO emphasised that the arrangements were made in line with ECI guidelines and assured that the administration was fully prepared to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process. Adequate deployment of polling and security personnel has been planned, with continuous coordination with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order.

Reiterating the district’s readiness, the DEO said each polling station would reflect the ECI’s commitment to voter facilitation, accessibility, and transparency.