Srinagar: In a significant step towards strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, the second phase of Assembly elections has commenced today.
Voters across 26 constituencies in six districts are turning out to cast their ballots, amidst heightened security. The high-stakes election features 239 candidates, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is in the fray from Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies.
In this crucial phase, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has fielded the most candidates, with 26 contenders, followed by the National Conference with 20, the BJP with 17, and Congress with six. Additionally, 170 independent and other party candidates are contesting across various seats.
The constituencies seeing action today include prominent regions such as Kangan, Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Lal Chowk, and Channapora in the Kashmir Valley, as well as districts in the Jammu region like Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
This election marks the first such assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir since its reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370. The first phase, conducted on September 18, saw an impressive voter turnout of 60.21 percent, signifying strong public engagement in the democratic process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come out in large numbers to vote. “I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play their important role in strengthening democracy. I especially congratulate the young voters casting their ballots for the first time,” said the Prime Minister.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed this sentiment, calling for record participation to bring in a government committed to “youth, development, and the rights of women and the underprivileged.” Shah emphasized that voters must seize the opportunity to rid Jammu and Kashmir of terrorism, nepotism, and corruption.
Apart from Omar Abdullah, several high-profile candidates are contesting in this phase, including BJP state president Ravinder Raina (Nowshera) and Congress leader Tariq Hamid Karra (Central-Shalteng). Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari is in the race from Channapora, while former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khanyar), Abdul Rahim Rather (Chrar-i-Sharief), and Choudhary Zulfikar Ali (Budhal) are also key contenders. Jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, popularly known as Barkati, is contesting from Beerwah and Ganderbal.
A total of 3,502 polling stations have been set up across the 26 districts, with 13,000 election officials ensuring smooth conduct of the process. Security has been further bolstered by the deployment of local police, armed police, and central paramilitary forces at every polling station.
A significant aspect of today’s voting is the participation of over 15,500 displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who will cast their ballots at special polling stations set up in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. Of these, 14,700 are registered to vote at 19 polling stations in Jammu, while 600 will vote in Delhi, and 350 will exercise their franchise in Udhampur.
In a show of international interest, a group of 20 diplomats from 16 foreign missions, including the United States, Russia, and the European Union, will observe the polling process today in Srinagar and Budgam. Their visit has been facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, underscoring the global importance attached to this election.
As voters cast their ballots in this phase, the excitement builds for the final phase of elections, which will take place on October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir eagerly await the formation of their next government.
