'No one comes out of the house to elect': Srinagar bypolls

The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed the Election Commision for the 'miserable' turn out of the Srinagar bypoll .

It is alleged that the EC advised against executing the exercise. Sources from the MHA said that EC' advice stood on the speculation that the situation in Srinagar wouldn't be conducive for such an activity . They also added, the 'security arrangements were such that no one could come out of their house.'

However, the EC spokesperson was not available for any comment.

Only 7.14% of 12.61 lakh voters, the all-time low, ventured out to vote on Sunday while it had recorded 26% polling in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In 1989, National Conference's Mohammad Shafi Bhat was elected unopposed.

The previous record for the lower turnout was in 1999 when 11.93% polling was recorded. In the 1999 election, Omar Abdullah had defeated Mehbooba Mufti, who is now Chief Minister, in a straight contest.