Electoral Shake-Up: Jammu Elections Witness Massive Security Deposit Forfeitures

In the Jammu region's 43 assembly segments, 68.53% of candidates forfeited their security deposits, unable to secure the minimum vote threshold. The National Conference-Congress coalition emerged victorious winning 49 seats, with BJP as runner-up capturing 29 seats. NOTA outpolled 164 candidates.

In a surprising turn of events, 68.53% of candidates across 43 assembly segments in Jammu region forfeited their security deposits. According to the Election Commission, most candidates, including those from major parties like PDP and BSP, failed to secure one-sixth of the total valid votes required.

The National Conference-Congress alliance swept the elections, clinching 49 seats, whereas the BJP emerged as the second-largest party by winning 29 seats, marking its best-ever performance in the region. Despite the results, NOTA, the option to reject all candidates, outpolled 164 candidates.

Notably, the Aam Aadmi Party made its debut in the J&K assembly with a win in Doda. However, the assembly elections revealed a massive shake-up as many high-profile candidates, including several from newly formed DPAP, failed to captivate the voters in their constituencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)