JK election results tomorrow

 Stage is set for the penultimate round of the five-phased polls in Jammu and Kashmir in which the fate of 182 candidates including two chief ministerial aspirants and Speaker of the Assembly will be sealed tomorrow.

Over 14.73 lakh voters including 7.05 lakh females are eligible to exercise their franchise at 1,890 polling stations in four districts of the state – Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian (Kashmir Valley) and Samba (Jammu region).

All eyes will be on the eight constituencies of Srinagar– currently being represented by the National Conference (NC)– as the voter turnout has generally remained low in the district along with some parts of Anantnag and Shopian.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting from Sonwar Assembly segment of Srinagar after he chose not to contest from his family stronghold of Ganderbal constituency.

Omar was also in fray from Beerwah seat, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, which went to polls in the third phase.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron and party chief ministerial candidate Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is seeking re-election from Anantnag constituency in south Kashmir.

Depending on the eventual party positions in terms of seats won, either Omar or Sayeed is likely to be the front-runner for the chief minister’s post.

Other prominent candidates who are in fray include J&K Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul, Omar’s close confidante Nasir Aslam Wani, Congress ministers Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and PDP’s Abdul Rehman Veeri and Altaf Bukhari.

The campaign in the four districts was by and large peaceful but militants hurled a grenade at a police station in Anantnag town on Thursday, resulting in injuries to three policemen. The ultras also planted an IED under a culvert in Shopian district on the same day but the explosive was detected by security forces and defused by a bomb disposal squad.

Security arrangements in all the four districts have been strengthened to ensure peaceful polling.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Union Minister of State Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, cricketer-turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and Bollywood actor and party MP Vinod Khanna campaigned for BJP candidates in the seats going to polls in the fourth phase.

The BJP, which is making its first serious bid for power in Jammu and Kashmir, has come out all guns blazing to make its presence felt in the Valley.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Pradesh Congress Committee president Saifuddin Soz also campaigned for their candidates.

Omar, working president of the NC, was the only star campaigner for his party in the absence of his father and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who is undergoing medical treatment in London.

Omar crisscrossed the four districts to campaign for his party candidates including himself.

PDP’s Sayeed and party president Mehbooba Mufti also campaigned for their party candidates.

Of the 18 seats going to polls tomorrow, the ruling NC had won nine in 2008 while the opposition PDP bagged six seats. Congress had won two seats while National Panthers Party clinched the Samba seat in Jammu region.

With the fourth phase, the polling process will come to an end in Kashmir Valley as all the 20 seats going to polls in the fifth and the last phase on December 20 are in Jammu region.

Sarpanchs Panchs discuss demands

A meeting of Sarpanch and Panchs of block Marh was held to debate the issues being faced by them within the State generally and in their areas specially.The Sarpanchs and Panchs charged the State Government with not taking the issues of panchayats and alleged that numerous orders for devolution of powers to panchayats have remained on papers solely.The meeting alleged that State Government has not conferred any monetary power for executing of assest and Panchayat are restricted for supervision purpose solely. throughout last year it had been intimated that formulation of plans like BADP, CD Panchyat and different allied schemes within the block shall be ready by Panchayats from 2012-13 however no order has been issued nevertheless during this behalf.Other problems mentioned were concerning Irrigation, PDD, command space and CAPD, as these departments don't seem to be cooperating with Panchayats, HOD of assorted departments haven't issued order to their subordinate employees operating in villages to urge a certificate from Panchayat for correct functioning of their duties and performances in villages.The sarpanchs and Panchs have all over again appealed the govt to stay firm on the commitments for devolution of powers to Panchayat for immediate implementation.Those gift within the meeting included Ashwani Sharma (Sangrampur), Rajinder Sharma (Flora Nagbani), Sham Lal (Saharan), Charan Dass (Dhaterial), Sat Paul (Gangu Chack), Narinder Singh (Jaswan) Virender Singh (Akalpur), Raj Kumar (Tarlokpur), Sanjeev Singh (Rathora), Vinod Kumar and others.

Speakers panel not related to Panchayats

ULB elections ruled out in April

Delay in preparation of draft rolls followed by revision of electoral rolls and completion of many other formalities have delayed elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and it would be impossible for the Election Department to complete poll process even in May.

Official sources said the statement by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Nasir Aslam Wani, who also holds charge of Home Department, in the Legislative Council on April 4 that ULB election process would be completed by April end appeared to have been made out of sight.

``The Government, had in January this year, written to the Election Department to complete election process of Municipalities by April end. The statement was reportedly based on that order, which has neither been modified nor cancelled so far'', they said.

However, according to sources, due to delay in preparation of draft rolls by some of the Deputy Commissioners, which would be followed by mandatory revision of electoral rolls and reservation of wards for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and women, the Election Department was not in a position even to complete the election process in May what to say of April end.

Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his reply to the debate on grants of his Departments in the Legislative Assembly on March 28, had said that elections to ULBs would be held this year. He had not mentioned any specific month or given any deadline for conducting the polls, dropping enough hints that elections were unlikely to be completed by the April end deadline set by him early this year.

Meanwhile, when approached for his comments, Nasir Aslam Wani, said he had reiterated the Government message sent to the Election Department earlier that the election process should be completed by April end.

``I had said in the Council that the Government had written to the Election Department to complete poll process by April end'', he said, adding it was for the Department now to give reasons for not meeting the deadline.

Mr Wani said Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who holds portfolio of Housing and Urban Development Department, has called a meeting of all concerned officials early next week, most likely on Monday or Tuesday, to discuss threadbare a strategy to hold the Municipal elections at the early possible date.

Sources said revised figures of the census have made Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) eligible for 75 Wards instead of present 65 while Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) even didn't qualify for existing 71 Wards. Under the Act, population of a Ward in the Corporation shouldn't exceed 7500.

The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar has already written to the concerned authorities including Housing and Urban Development Department and Election Department for increase in number of Wards of the SMC from 65 to 75. The H&UD Department was yet to take a decision on it.

In addition to this, sources pointed out, a number of districts were yet to come up with draft rolls. Though some of the districts have prepared draft rolls, others were yet to submit the lists to the Election Department.

``Only when all districts submit draft rolls to the Election Department that revision of electoral rolls could be ordered '', sources said pointing out that revision of rolls was mandatory before conducting elections to the Municipalities.

It would take at least 15 days to the Election Department to complete revision of electoral rolls.

Going by the statement of Nasir Aslam Wani that reserved Wards for women would be changed in the elections, sources said, the exercise of identifying the Wards for reservation of SC, STs and women as provided in the Municipal Act would also take time as these Wards would be identified by the Deputy Commissioners and conveyed to the Election Department.

Due to addition of some Municipalities, their Wards, voters and reserved Wards were also yet to be fully identified. Moreover, some areas of Municipalities have been included in Panchayats and vice versa. The concerned Deputy Commissioners have to finally demarcate the Wards.

Fresh census figures have also created certain problems, sources said, adding that population had increase in some Wards and gone down in others, leading to imbalances, which were being set right.

After revision of electoral rolls was completed, the Election Department had to issue a notification of 21 days for starting elections process for first phase, sources said.

The elections to Urban Local Bodies were hanging fire for past about two years now as all Municipal bodies had ceased to exist in March 2010. Elections to the ULBs were held in January-February 2005 after a gap of about 26 years as they had last been held in 1979. The Municipalities were formed in first week of March in 2005 and they completed their five years term in March 2010. Since then, the elections hadn't been held to Municipal bodies.

During last elections held to the Municipalities, there were 14.34 lakh voters. With elections now being held after more than seven years, the number of electorates was expected to go up significantly especially with the inclusion of 16 more Municipalities for holding elections.

The Central funds worth several crores had been blocked due to delay in holding of elections to the ULBs, sources said, adding though the funds are non-lapsable, they would be granted by the Centre to the State only when elections were held to the Municipalities.

It may be mentioned that the Centre has agreed to release Rs 364 crore worth funds to the State, which had been blocked due to delay in holding of elections to the Panchayats.

According to sources, the elections to Municipalities would be held on party basis contrary to the Panchayat elections, which were held on non-party basis last year.

Sources said only after the completion of electoral process for Municipalities, the Government would hold first ever elections to Block Development Councils in the State, which would be second tier of Panchayats.

Election for four seats of Legislative Council of Panchayats would also be held after the Municipal polls, sources said, adding that the Government could request the Election Commission through the State Election Department to hold election for four seats of MLCs from Panchayat quota (two each from Jammu and Kashmir divisions) simultaneously with two seats of MLCs to be elected by the Municipalities (one each from Jammu and Kashmir divisions) if the ULBs were in place.

Heavy Turnout in Panchayat elections

Discrepancies in voter lists

On the eve of forthcoming Municipal Corporation and other local body elections, BJP has raised serious questions and objections to discrepancies, errors and possible manipulations in the voter lists and voter cards which, if not rectified, will turn these elections into a big farce.

Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here today, National Executive Member and J&K Chief Spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh produced documentary evidence with papers and print-outs to show that in certain areas and wards, either the voter lists were not available and if available these were printed in such font or script that these were not legible. In cases where the voter lists were available and also legible, the information provided about name, age, parentage or residential address was either inadequate or erratic, he added.

Dr. Singh said that in the absence of proper voter lists and voter cards, the National Conference-Congress coalition Government is exposed to the charge of being dishonest in its decision to hold fair and free elections to local bodies and that the entire electoral exercise is being carried out with the ulterior motive of securing over 300 crore worth Central grant in the name of local bodies which would later be subject to embezzlements and misappropriations as has been happening in the past.

Referring to voter identification cards, Dr. Singh reminded the administration that it is not mere a voter card but as per the statutes of Indian Constitution, voter card is notified as one of the identity proofs for every citizen of India like other identity proofs such as passport, driving licence etc. Therefore, even partly incorrect information in voter card could land the citizen in trouble while undergoing a security check and could also be challenged in court of law.

Dr. Singh said that the BJP has right from the beginning already taken several other exceptions to the local body elections and demanded implementation of 74th Amendment of Constitution if the Government is sincerely committed to the genuine empowerment of local bodies. Not only this, the party has also pointed out discrimination in increasing the number of Wards of Srinagar Municipal Corporation to 75 but leaving the number of Wards in Jammu Municipal Corporation unchanged, he added.

Flanked by former Mayor Kavinder Gupta and BJP Jammu district president Rajesh Gupta, Dr. Jitendra Singh displayed fallacious voting lists to cameramen and said the people need to be made aware of the fraud being played on them.

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Romney Won Election in Florida

Mitt Romney won a landslide victory in yesterday's primary in Florida, which was recovered from the defeat of days ago and took a step toward the Republican presidential nomination.

Despite the overwhelming result against Newt Gingrich vowed to continue fighting. Romney, with a message of unity as if it were a candidate, said he was ready to "lead this party and our nation" and also to defeat President Barack Obama, the Democratic Party. Speaking to enthusiastic supporters, Romney launched a harsh attack on Obama and said the competitive race for the nomination of the Republican Party "does not divide us, we prepared" for the November general election. "Mr. President, you were elected to lead, you chose to follow, and now it's time to remove the road, "he said. The results of 79% of the state's districts Romney gave him 47% of the vote, against 32% of Gingrich. The former senator from Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum, was 13%, while the representative from Texas, Ron Paul, had 7%. Neither Santorum nor Paul launched a determined campaign in the state. Romney got a winning percentage of nearly 50% and a majority that would destroy the repeated assertion that Gingrich reject Romney voters outnumber those who support the cause of Gingrich himself. Despite the defeat, the former chairman of the federal lower house said: "We will play each place and we will win." As in the voting in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, about half the voters in the Florida primaries said the most important factor was to support a candidate who could beat Obama in November, according to early exit poll surveys, applied on behalf of The Associated Press and several television networks. As might be expected in a state with an unemployment rate above 10%, approximately two thirds of voters said the economy was their main concern. Nearly nine in 10 said they fell behind or remained the same. And half said the evictions have been a serious problem in their communities. The primary does not distribute delegates among the leading candidates, but all 50 assigned to the winner, the Republican National Convention. That number is by far the largest of any state primary so far. Romney now has a total of 87 delegates compared to Gingrich, 26, 14 Paul Santorum and four. To achieve the 1144 delegates needed candidacy. But the prize was a precious political momentum for the struggle to be the rival of President Obama in the November elections. Romney seemed to have it in the bag three weeks ago when he won the primaries in New Hampshire, but Gingrich ousted him 11 days later, after winning South Carolina. Now that factor returns with the former governor of Massachusetts, after a recovery 10 days with a shift to more aggressive tactics, coupled with an efficient use of its overwhelming financial advantage to whip Gingrich on TV ads during a campaign of 10 days. Gingrich dismissed any possibility of giving up. "We will play each place" , said in front of a banner that read: "Missing 46 states." "It is now clear that this will be a two-person contest between a conservative leader, Newt Gingrich, and Massachusetts moderate," he said. Santorum disagreed. "Gingrich had his chance ... a victory in South Carolina and could not sustain it," Santorum said in Nevada. He also said that voters "look and a conservative and an alternative to Mitt Romney."

J&K Panchayat Polls

Jammu Kashmir Panchayat polls from April 13-June 18

Today the Government set the ball rolling for the Panchayat elections and the Elections Department officially announced that the first phase of the elections of 16 will begin on 13 April. The last phase will take place June 18, while the panchayats would be June 30 this year. With the announcement of elections to be held in a non-Party, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force.

Shortly after the arrival of Prime Minister Omar Abdullah, in London, where he had gone to attend the last rites of his aunt, ordered the notice of the election. Initially, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohamed Sagar made an announcement in Parliament that the government established the Panchayat election process in motion.

Shortly thereafter, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BR Sharma and the Minister announced 16 stage timetable for the Panchayat elections.

The elections will be held April 13, 1917, 21, 25 and 30, May 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25 and 29 and 02 June, 6, 11 and 18.

Although the elections are held in a non-party, the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force from today throughout the state and that applies to all political parties including the ruling party, Mr. Sharma said and called on all political parties, candidates and government officials to adhere strictly to the MCC.

Panches sarpanches names and elected by the people must be notified no later than June 30, Mr. James, accompanied by Joint Deputy CEO and Director General Harcharan Puneet Sharma, Singh said.

A total of 50.68 lakh voters exercised their right of franchise to elect sarpanches 4130 (2164 in 1966 in Kashmir and Jammu) and Pancho 29,719 (15,959 to 13,760 in Jammu and Kashmir). There are a total of 143 blocks in 22 districts in the state, going to the polls (77 of 66 in Jammu and Kashmir). The data in the region of Ladakh in Kashmir have been included.

Mr. Sharma said the sarpanches would be entitled to a charge of Rs 6,000, while a Panch could spend RS 3000 elections. Candidates had to submit a dispute the details of the costs of Deputy High Commissioner, District Panchayat Election Officer would be within 30 days after the announcement of the results.

The counting of votes will take place the same day it goes out the vote.

In 2001, elections were held by only 1,600 panchayats. Before this, the elections were held in the State Panchayat only three times in 1969, 1972 and 1978, while the Panchayat elections in most other states in the country were carried out from 11 to 12 times.

According to official sources, the elections to Urban Local Government or the Municipal Councils and Corporations Committees will take place after the Panchayat elections.

For April 13 elections, the notification will be issued on March 18 and March 25 is the deadline for filing nomination. Ballot will be held March 26, candidates can withdraw their name by March 28. April 17 elections, the notification will be issued on March 22, while candidates may submit an application until 29 March. Ballot will be held on March 30 and April 1 is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

For April 21 elections, the notification will be issued on March 25, applications can be submitted to the April 1 ballot will be held April 2 and April 5 is the deadline for the withdrawal of documents. From the April 25 poll, the notification will be released March 29. Applications may be submitted until 05 April, the date control was established on April 6 and the last date of withdrawal on April 8.

For April 30 elections, the notice will be published on April 1 and applications can be submitted until April 8. For May 4 elections, the notification will be issued on 5 April and applications can be submitted until 13 April. Seventh phase of voting will take place on 8 May, to which the notice is published on 9 April and applications can be submitted until 18 April. Eighth round of the notification will be issued on April 15 and polls will be held May 12. Applications may be submitted until 23 April.

ninth stage of the vote was scheduled for May 16, 1919 April notification and the date of the withdrawal in April 1926, while the tenth stage notification will be issued on April 23, the deadline for applications was set for 30 April Voting will take place May 21.

Eleventh phase polling will be held 0:13 May 5, 1929 May and 2 June for what would be the notification issued on April 27 and 30 and 04 May, while the deadline for applications is 04 May 7 and 11.

14 survey phase will take place June 6 to which the report was issued on 9 May and applications can be submitted until 16 May during the 15th stage of control is scheduled for 11 June which notification was issued on May 13 and forms can be filled until 20 May. Final phase of voting will take place on 16 and 18 June for the notification was issued on 25 May, applications submitted before 1 June elections will be held June 2 and forms can be picked until 4 June.

Jammu district would vote on 8 stages. Bishnah block go to the polls on April 13, RS Pura Satwari April 17, 1921 April 25 April de Marhan Bhalwal April 30, 2004 de mayo Dansal Akhnoor Khouri May 8 and May 12.

Rajouri district would have five stages of voting. Sunderbans block would go to the polls on May 12, May 16 Doong and Nowshera Rajouri and Manjakote Thann Mandi May 21 and June 6 and Darhal Budhal Kalakota and 11 June.

Poonch district go to the polls in four phases. Balakot will have polls on May 21 while Surankote and Bafliaz go to the polls on May 4. Poll Mandi in Poonch and is scheduled for 29 May, while Mendhar vote June 2.

Samba district will have three stages of voting. Samba block go to the polls on April 13 and April Vijaypur 17. Purmandal Ghagwal blocks and would have voted on 21 April.

Kathu district go to the polls in six phases. While Loha Malhar, Bani and Duggan blocks would have voted on April 25, Basohli going to vote April 30. Billawar vote was set for May 8 to May 12 and Kathu Hiranagar 16 May.

Udhampur district would also be a voting phase six. April 14, polls will be held in Udhampur, while Kenan vote April 17, Dudu Basantgarh Ramnagar and 21 April 25 April Ghord Majalta Pancharevo April 30 and May 4.

Reas and Ramban districts would be a ballot in four phases. Reas Poun block would go to the polls on 25 April 30 April Reas Mahora May 4 and May 8, while Ramban Arnas block would go to the polls on May 16, May 21 Ramsoo Banihal and May 4 May 29 Gool.

militancy-infested Doda district have a polling process of six stages. Assar will vote May 21 on May 4 Marmato Ghat Doda on May 29 and June 2 Gundani Bhagwati, Thathri and Bhaderwah Bhalessa June 6 and June 11. Kishtwar is a survey of five phases.

Voting for the block of Kishtwar has set May 16 May 21 Drabshalla Inderwal Padda May 4 and May 29 Nagseni Marwah, Dachhan Warwar and 2 June.

Leh district has a vote of three phases. Chuchot Leh and blocks that go to the polls on June 2, and Nobre, Panama, Nyomi, and Kahru Durbuk vote June 11. Khaltsi Suspol and vote on 18 June. Kargil has only two stages of voting. Taisure, Drass, Kargil GM pore (Trespone) Sankoo Shaket Chiktan and planned to go to the voting station on 11 June and Zanskar, Shargole Lungnuk and will vote June 18.

Srinagar district will have a seat in a May 16. Ganderbal have a ballot in four phases. Voting was scheduled for April 13 April Kangan Lar April 17 Wakura Ganderbal 21 and April 25. Budgam will stage an eight polls. Budgam block would vote April 13, 1917 de abril Nagami, Chadoora Beerwah 21 April 25 April 30 April Khansahib KClick Narbal May 5 May 8 and May 12 BK Pora.

Anantnag district will stage an eight polls. Qaimooh block go to the polls April 13 May 4 May 8 Brenga Shangus Shahabad Khoveripora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Dachinpora Qazigund May 4 and May 29, Achabal. Kulgam, however, have a five-phase voting polls Quimoh Pahloo April 13, 1917 April Kulgam Developers April 21 April 25 and April 30 Damhal Hanji Pora. Shopian also have one vote with his two blocks Shopian and Keller go to the polls on June 6.

Pulwama would have voted in five stages. Keller block vote on May 21, Pulwama Kakapora May 25 May 29 June 2 Tral and Pampore June 6. Bandipora also initiate a vote of five phases on May 16 followed by Sumbal block Hajin Bandipora 21 May 25 May Tulail Gurëz June 2 and June 6.

Baramulla will take more than 12 voting phase. Uri block is scheduled for April 17 polls, 21 April Boniyar Roham Wagoora April 25 April 30, 2004 de mayo Kunze Tangmarg May 8, Rafiabad Singhpora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Pattan, 25 May Zaingeer Baramulla and Sopore May 29 June 2.

Kupwara has the second highest number of the voting phase 11. Kupwara would block a vote in the first round April 17 April 13 Wavoora Sogama Ramhal 21 April 25 April 30 April Rajwada Lange Kralpora May 4 Trehgam May 8 May 12 to 16 Teetwal Tangdhar May May 21 and June 6 Kalaroos.

The CEO said that the cards electoral photo identity (EPIC) can be used by voters at the polls. However, an alternative list of 19 documents was notified by the Department for the election for the purpose of identification, if not in the possession of the epics.

The elections will take place through the ballot box and not electronic voting machines (EVMS), as envisaged in the Panchayati Raj Act. Approximately 14 thousand voting will be required for election. While 6000 is available in state polls, the surveys of 8000 will be hired by the neighboring state of Punjab.

In Jammu, Kishtwar district has 1.23 lakh votes, 2.13 lakh Doda, Ramban 1.38 lakh, 1.61 lakh Reas, Udhampur 2.79 lakh, 3.27 lakh Kathu, Samba 1.76 lakh, 5.66 lakh Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri lakh 2.47 lakh 3.16.

In the region of Ladakh Leh Kargil has 62,606 votes and 71,765.

In Kashmir, Anantnag district is 01.04 lakh votes, Kulgam 1.93 lakh, 1.34 lakh Shopian, Pulwama 2.63 lakh, 3.35 lakh Budgam, Srinagar 15,061, 1.21 lakh Ganderbal, Bandipora 1, 51 lakh, Baramulla and Kupwara lakh7 4.37 3 , 3 lakh.

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