Amid allegations of EMV malfunction, J&K records over 57% voter turnout

Jammu and Kashmir Thursday recorded an overall turnout of over 57 per cent in the Jammu and Baramulla constituencies in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, even as there were protests over defective EVMs in some areas.

The two constituencies house an electorate of over 33 lakh, recording a voter turnout of 57.31 per cent, officials said.

Addressing media persons at a press conference here, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said Jammu Parliamentary Constituency, spread across four districts of Jammu, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch with 20 assembly segments, recorded voter turnout of 72.16 per cent.

The voter turnout was highest in Samba district at 75.07 per cent followed by 74.50 per cent in Jammu district, while twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri recorded 70.40 per cent and 65.70 per cent respectively, the state CEO said.

Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, comprising three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora with 15 assembly ..