Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address public rallies on Thursday in Srinagar and Katra as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign to bolster its support in Jammu and Kashmir. The rally in Srinagar will take place at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, where approximately 30,000 party workers and supporters are expected to attend.
The BJP, aiming to strengthen its foothold in the Kashmir Valley, has fielded candidates in 19 out of 47 assembly constituencies, reflecting a strategic approach as it focuses on select seats to make inroads in the region, where it has yet to secure a win.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday, with the first phase recording a voter turnout of 61.11 percent. Polling for the second and third phases is scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively.
In a statement, the Election Commission said, “Building on the successful foundation of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, peaceful and enthusiastic voting marked the beginning of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.”
““Voters from all sections of society responded to the ‘call of democracy’ wholeheartedly, reaffirming the confidence expressed by CEC Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of assembly elections that the people of J-K will give a befitting reply to the nefarious forces attempting to disrupt the electoral process,” the statement added.
Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 percent, while Pulwama saw the lowest at 46.65 percent.
(With inputs from agencies)