As the first phase of Lok Sabha polls get underway on Friday, two Rajputs – BJP’s Dr Jitendra Singh, and Congress’s Chaudhary Lal Singh – will lock horns on the important Udhampur-Doda constituency.
With over 16.23 lakh eligible voters in the constituency, the turnout is likely to be high as the supporters of both candidates are charged up after intense campaigning. The BJP leaders who campaigned for Singh included Prime Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Congress leaders who roused crowds in support of Chaudhary included Sachin Pilot and Raj Babbar. Singh, however, received a boost from the National Conference leaders, who campaigned for him in the Udhampur and Doda areas where there are a sizeable Muslim population.
Singh is the incumbent MP from Udhampur and has won the last two contests defeating Congress candidates by impressive margins. Chaudhary has also won twice from Udhampur before 2014.
Observers believe that Singh is facing a tough challenge from Chaudhary who is considered the best bet against him. A look at the rallies and crowds mobilised by both camps, observers believe that compared to the previous two Lok Sabha polls, the contest this time is going to be a close one.
A total of 2,637 polling stations across five districts — Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban — are fully prepared for the first phase of elections. In Kathua, the hometown of Chaudhary, 25 polling stations along the international border, present unique logistical challenges. Over 11,000 polling staff, including reserves, have been deployed for duty.
Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) will be provided at every polling station, including wheelchairs and braille script lists for visually impaired voters. Special queues for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals will facilitate their voting process. There will be voter help desks manned by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
To encourage voter turnout and address various needs, there will be 19 pink polling stations staffed by women, 14 manned by specially abled persons, and 17 overseen by youth volunteers. Environmental concerns are also addressed with 20 green polling stations.
Voter information slips have been distributed to all voters, containing essential details but excluding photographs. These slips will not serve as proof of identity. Furthermore, 12 alternative documents, including Aadhaar Card and Passport, will be accepted for verification.
Technology plays a significant role in ensuring transparency and efficiency. The Voter Helpline App (VHA) provides essential information and services, while the Voter Turnout App displays provisional voter turnout data. Live webcasting from 1,440 polling stations and surveillance through CCTV cameras enhance monitoring efforts.
Enforcement agencies have seized around Rs 5.34 crore in cash and materials since the announcement of elections, demonstrating a commitment to fair practices. Grievances are addressed promptly through platforms like the C-VIGIL app, which empowers citizens to report violations with evidence.
A dedicated Command and Control Room, operating 24x7, oversees election-related activities and compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. Mini control rooms at district levels enhance monitoring capabilities, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
