J&K Assembly Election 2024: Modi, Shah urge voters to turn out in large numbers as phase 2 polling gets under way

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to voters in Jammu and Kashmir to use their franchise as the second round of polling in the Union Territory began.

"I appeal to all voters that they must cast their votes and play an important role in strengthening democracy," Modi said while greeting the first-time voters.

Shah too appealed to voters, saying on X, "I appeal to all the voters going to cast their votes in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir election to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir."

The home minister said people should vote for a government that works with commitment to the golden future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the rights of the deprived and women and the development of the region.

"Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption," he said.

Voting began on Wednesday for the second phase of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 seats, including that of former chief minister of the erstwhile state Omar Abdullah.

These assembly constituencies are spread over six districts -- three in the Valley and as many in the Jammu division.

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.