92-Year-Old Bishan Das Gupta Votes from Home in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir

The Election Commission of India has launched a home voting process in Udhampur district to help elderly and disabled voters ahead of the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections scheduled for October 1.

This initiative, which started on Monday and will conclude tomorrow, allows voters who cannot reach polling stations to vote from home. On the first day, around 115 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) are expected to cast their votes. Among them was 92-year-old Bishan Das Gupta, a resident of Sallain Talab ward number 14, who expressed joy at being able to vote from home and encouraged others to participate in the democratic process.

District Election Officer Saloni Rai confirmed that home voting has begun across all four constituencies of Udhampur, emphasizing strict adherence to Election Commission guidelines to ensure secrecy, transparency, and fairness. About 40 polling teams, accompanied by security forces, have been deployed to facilitate this door-to-door voting process, enabling eligible voters to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes.

Meanwhile, ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on September 25, polling parties in Srinagar collected their electronic voting machines (EVMs) and dispatched them to their respective polling stations on Tuesday. Khalid Hussain Malik, the returning officer of Zadibal Constituency, stated that the Election Commission of India has focused on the welfare of the polling parties, providing various facilities for them. He mentioned that there are around 143 polling stations in Zadibal Constituency, making it the largest assembly constituency in the Srinagar district.

Dr. Khalid Hussain Malik said, “EVMs and materials are being distributed. All poll parties have reached here. I think all poll parties will leave from here within the next 2 hours. There are 143 polling stations in Zadibal Constituency, it’s the largest constituency in Srinagar district. I think we will leave sector-wise after 12 pm. Our formation will be sector-wise, which will consist of sector magistrates, sector police officials, zonal magistrates, zonal officers, etc. This time ECI have stressed on the welfare of the polling parties. Their bedding, lunch and dinner will also reach before them…. Additionally, refreshments will be given… overall, all welfare things have been taken care of…”