Strong voter participation marks the Jammu and Kashmir by-elections, reflecting renewed public confidence in democratic processes.
By: Javid Amin | 11 November 2025
In a major boost to democratic participation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Nagrota and Budgam constituencies recorded robust voter turnouts of 75.08% and 50.02% respectively during the November 11 bypolls. The day-long polling process remained peaceful and incident-free, officials confirmed late Monday night.
Voter Turnout Highlights
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Nagrota (Jammu region) led the turnout chart with an impressive 75.08%, demonstrating high civic engagement despite the chilly autumn weather.
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Budgam (Central Kashmir) followed with 50.02%, slightly below its 2024 Assembly election turnout of 51.13%, but still a healthy figure considering the cold conditions and political fatigue.
Polling began at 7:00 a.m. and saw a steady rise in voter participation throughout the day — early data showed 34.47% in Nagrota and 21.74% in Budgam by 11 a.m., before picking up momentum as locals turned out in large numbers post noon.
Peaceful Polling Atmosphere Across Both Constituencies
Both Budgam and Nagrota witnessed peaceful polling, with no violence, disruptions, or booth-level complaints reported.
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Security forces maintained a vigilant yet non-intrusive presence, allowing voters to cast their ballots freely.
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Polling staff, many deployed from outside districts, ensured swift, transparent operations.
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Voters queued patiently in long lines, some braving sub-zero morning temperatures in Budgam and the late-autumn chill in Nagrota.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) praised the smooth conduct of the polls, citing the enthusiastic participation as a positive sign of electoral maturity and confidence restoration in the region.
Political Context Behind the Bypolls
The Budgam by-election was necessitated after Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader, chose to retain his Ganderbal seat despite winning from both Ganderbal and Budgam in the 2024 Assembly polls.
In contrast, the Nagrota bypoll followed the untimely demise of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana in October 2024 — a prominent figure known for his grassroots connect in the Jammu region.
Together, these by-elections became a symbolic test of leadership and party presence for both the National Conference and the BJP.
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Budgam witnessed a multi-cornered fight with 17 candidates in the fray.
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Nagrota featured 10 contenders, including both BJP and Congress-backed independents.
Electoral Signals: A Tale of Two Regions
The contrasting turnout figures underline regional political dynamics:
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Nagrota’s 75% turnout reflects strong BJP mobilization and renewed energy among Jammu’s electorate.
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Budgam’s 50% turnout, though moderate, indicates the NC’s traditional base remains largely intact in central Kashmir.
Observers suggest the peaceful, enthusiastic polling could mark a turning point in public perception — signaling renewed faith in democratic participation across the Union Territory.
“When people vote in such large numbers despite the chill and fatigue, it shows a will to be heard — peacefully,” said a senior election officer in Jammu.
Democracy in Action: Renewed Hope in J&K
The bypolls come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing political recalibration following the 2024 elections and ongoing administrative reforms.
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The high voter turnout in Nagrota stands as a testament to civic engagement in the post-delimitation era.
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The calm and orderly polling in Budgam reinforces electoral normalcy in central Kashmir — once considered politically volatile.
Together, the two constituencies offer a snapshot of change — where citizens are re-engaging with governance through the ballot, not boycott.
Conclusion: Quiet Confidence in a New Chapter
As ballot boxes move to counting centers, the November 11 bypolls will be remembered not just for their numbers but for their tone — calm, disciplined, and deeply democratic.
From Nagrota’s hills to Budgam’s plains, the message was clear: the people of Jammu and Kashmir still believe in the power of the vote.
