Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the impressive voter turnout in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting it as a positive trend for democracy.
Baramulla, which voted on Monday in the fifth phase of the seven-phase elections, recorded a voter turnout of 55.79 percent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the high participation reflects the people’s strong faith in democracy. “High voter turnout, over 58% in Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, is very encouraging and shows the people’s determination and unwavering faith in democracy. I congratulate and thank the people of Baramulla for joining the Maha Kumbh of our democracy in large numbers,” the Lieutenant Governor said on Monday.
Reacting to the post, PM Modi on Tuesday remarked, “Compliments to my sisters and brothers of Baramulla for their unbreakable commitment to democratic values. Such active participation is a great trend.”
According to the ECI, this turnout is the highest recorded in the Baramulla constituency in the past 35 years, surpassing previous records from the last eight Lok Sabha elections. The constituency witnesses a contest between National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, JKPC leader Sajjad Lone, and PDP’s Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
Historically, voter turnout in Baramulla was 5.48 percent in 1989, 46.65 percent in 1996, 41.94 percent in 1998, 27.79 percent in 1999, 35.65 percent in 2004, 41.84 percent in 2009, 39.14 percent in 2014, and 34.6 percent in 2019.
In the earlier fourth phase of elections on May 13, the Srinagar constituency also saw a significant turnout of 37.99 percent, marking the highest in several decades. This election is the first general election in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting and results scheduled to be declared on June 4.