Jammu and Kashmir witnessed brisk voting in the second phase of Assembly elections today, with 26 constituencies across six districts participating. Over 25.9 lakh eligible voters, including 15,500 displaced Kashmiri Pandits, are casting their ballots at 3,502 polling stations, supported by 13,000 staff and high-level security forces. Early reports showed a 10.22% turnout within the first two hours, with Surankote leading at 14.57%, while Habbakadal saw the lowest at 2.63%.
Key candidates include National Conference leader Omar Abdullah (Budgam and Ganderbal), BJP’s Ravinder Raina (Nowshera), and Congress’ Tariq Hamid Karra (Central-Shalteng). Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Abdul Rahim Rather, and jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagay are also in the fray.
A delegation of foreign diplomats from the US, EU, and other nations monitored polling stations in Srinagar and Budgam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters to participate in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of strengthening democracy in the region.
Rahul Gandhi appealed to voters to support the INDIA alliance, stressing the need to restore constitutional rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
The final phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting to take place on October 8. The first phase saw a record 60.21% turnout.
