As the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections started on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on voters to turn out in large numbers to “strengthen democracy.”
“Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play their important role in strengthening democracy,” said PM Modi.
Polling began at 7 am across 3,502 polling stations in 26 assembly constituencies, spanning six districts: Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir Division, as well as Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu Division. Over 2.5 million eligible voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates.
With Jammu and Kashmir holding elections after a decade, PM Modi also extended congratulations to first-time voters. In a post on X, he said: “On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time!
Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda also urged voters to participate in large numbers, saying that their involvement would pave the way for a “golden future” for Jammu and Kashmir.
In a veiled attack on the National Conference and Congress, Nadda said that “each vote will abolish corruption and nepotism”.
In a post on X, Nadda said, “Today, I appeal to all the voters, especially the young friends, who are voting in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, to vote in large numbers. Your every vote will establish service, good governance and development here and will free us from corruption, nepotism and anarchy. The ever-flourishing democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is the shared responsibility of all of us. The participation of the people in this election will pave the way for a golden future for Jammu and Kashmir.”
Prominent candidates in this phase include former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, contesting from both Budgam and Ganderbal; Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina, standing from Nowshera; and Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hamid Karra, running from Central-Shalteng.
The constituencies voting in this phase include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanpora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, and Gulabgarh (ST). In Jammu Division, the seats include Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
The final phase of polling will take place on October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.
(With ANI input)