Jammu, Oct 17 (KNO): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma Friday chaired a review meeting to assess preparedness for the upcoming bye-election to 77-Nagrota Assembly Constituency (AC), scheduled to be held on November 11, 2025.
During the meeting, District Election Officer (DEO), Dr. Rakesh Minhas, presented a detailed account of the election arrangements being made in the constituency. He highlighted key parameters from the updated constituency profile and informed that 150 polling stations, with robust polling infrastructure and 100% assured minimum facilities like ramps, lighting, drinking water and sanitation, have been established for the bye poll to the Constituency, having 97,893 registered voters.
Detailed deliberations were held on EVM and VVPAT management, transport planning, SVEEP campaigns, strong room arrangements and facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens during the meeting.
Addressing the officers, CEO Sanjeev Verma stressed that the bye-election must be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, ensuring voter confidence through strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and timely redressal of grievances. He added that the bye-election represents a “festival of democracy”, which should witness inclusive participation from all sections of society.
The CEO directed officers to ensure completion of all training and logistical exercises as per schedule. He appreciated the proactive measures taken by the district administration and emphasized on citizen outreach through SVEEP rallies and awareness programmes.
The CEO expressed satisfaction over the coordinated arrangements led by the DEO and Returning Officer and urged all officers to work in close synergy, maintaining high standards of neutrality and efficiency to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.
Dr. Nirupa Rai, Special Secretary; Sandish Kumar Gupta, Special Secretary, Joint CEO Anil Salgotra, other Nodal Officers and senior district officers were present in the meeting.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Returning Officer 77-Nagrota and Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Irshad Rather also participated in the meeting and informed the CEO about the security preparedness for the Bye-Elections—(KNO)