Voters stand in a queue at a polling station to cast votes during the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Srinagar district.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: Nearly 37 percent polling was recorded up to 1:00 pm across all 26 assembly constituencies where voting is taking place in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Wednesday.
“All 26 assembly constituencies across six districts of J&K have recorded 36.93 percent voter turnout till 1 pm”, communicated the office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.
Polling began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, with more than 2.5 million voters eligible to participate in this crucial election—the first assembly poll in the region since the revocation of its special status and statehood more than five years ago.
Key candidates in this phase include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina, and Congress J&K unit president Tariq Hamid Karra. Omar is contesting from two seats, Ganderbal and Budgam, while Karra is running from Central Shalteng in Srinagar. Raina is seeking re-election from Nowshera in Rajouri, a seat he won in 2014.
In light of recent security concerns, particularly in Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch, which have experienced multiple terror attacks in the past three years, security measures have been heightened throughout the Union Territory to ensure a peaceful voting process.
The Election Commission has established 3,502 polling stations across the 26 constituencies, all equipped with 100% webcasting capabilities. This includes 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural polling stations.
To promote voter participation, 157 special polling stations have been set up, featuring initiatives such as 26 Pink Polling Stations managed by women, polling stations staffed by specially-abled individuals and youth, and 31 border polling stations. These efforts are designed to create an inclusive and smooth electoral experience for all voters.
Assembly Elections 2024 | In the first assembly polls since the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi and the BJP face a rejuvenated and vindicated Opposition in the Haryana assembly polls. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir is voting after almost a decade and it remains to be seen how the abrogation of Article 370 has impacted the political landscape of the Valley. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analyses only on Deccan Herald.