Aakash Hassan
Srinagar
As re-polls were held at 38 polling stations in five assembly segments of district Budgam for by-polls of Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, the EVMS returned with 261 votes less than votes these areas had poled on April 9, official figures revealed.
The re-poll on these polling booths was ordered by Election Commission of India (ECI) following violence at a number of places and even damage to the EVM’s.
The Sunday polling witnessed an unprecedented poll boycott and violent clashes between locals and paramilitary men guarding the polling booths, at a few places. In the clashes at least eight civilians were killed while as more than hundred people suffered injuries. The poll percentage was recorded as 7.14%.
Fearing that situation can turn more violent in the restive ECI postponed by-polls scheduled to be held on April 12 to May 25.
However, ECI ordered the by-polls for the 38 polling stations, all in Budgam district, that witnessed most of the violence.
As per the officials, in the re-poll, 709 votes were polled in all these 38 polling stations that are less than 261 votes than earlier on April 9 when 970 votes were cast.
Out of the total 38 polling station, not a single vote was cast on 27 polling stations.
The unprecedented boycott was observed despite massive security arrangements. More than three hundred forces personnel were guarding each polling booth, officials said.
Though the polling day remained mostly peaceful, re-poll slashed 261 votes.