JAMMU: With all arrangements in place, the stage is set for the counting of votes in the bye-elections for Nagrota and Budgam Assembly constituencies, scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 14, 2025. The counting process will begin early in the morning amid tight security and close monitoring by Election Commission of India (ECI)-appointed observers to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
In Budgam, District Election Officer (DEO) Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat on Wednesday conducted a detailed inspection of the counting centre and reviewed all necessary arrangements. He visited the designated counting halls, strong rooms, and media centre to ensure that foolproof security, uninterrupted power supply, and regulated entry protocols were in place. Dr. Bhat emphasized complete transparency and adherence to ECI guidelines throughout the counting process.
The DEO was accompanied by the Returning Officer for 27-AC Budgam, Afroza Bano, Deputy DEO Hilal Ahmad, and other senior officers during the inspection. He also reviewed the installation of CCTV surveillance, communication setups, and layout of counting tables to facilitate efficient movement and monitoring. “The District Election Office Budgam is fully committed to ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and fair counting process,” Dr. Bhat said.
Earlier in the day, the second randomization of counting staff for the 27-Assembly Constituency Budgam was conducted at the DC Office Complex under the supervision of the DEO in the presence of ECI-appointed Counting Observer Bhor Singh Yadav. The process, carried out through specialized software, ensured fair allocation of counting teams without human interference.
Meanwhile, similar arrangements have been finalized in Nagrota constituency where authorities have also completed all security and logistical preparations. Officials said all counting centres are under multi-layered security and real-time result dissemination will be ensured through dedicated media facilitation setups.
