Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections highlights: Second phase poll records a 56% turnout

A voter turnout of 54.11% was recorded till 7 pm in the second phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the Election Commission of India.

“Voting took place in a tranquil atmosphere free of fear and intimidation. Voters inhabiting the areas near the border were also empowered to exercise their franchise at 55 border polling stations set up near the LoC in 89 Poonch Haveli and 90 Mendhar AC in Poonch district and 51 such polling stations in Rajouri district. These border polling stations saw voting today in line with the Commission’s resolve to bring even the remotest corners of the country into the democratic fold,” ECI said in a release on Wednesday.

“As of 7 p.m., a voter turnout of 54.11% was recorded at the polling stations. The overall voter turnout recorded in these six districts that went for polls in Phase 2 has also surpassed the turnout recorded in Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Phase-1 of the Jammu-Kashmir Assembly elections had also witnessed an encouraging response by voters, with a voter turnout of 61.38% at Polling Station across 24 ACs,” the ECI said in a statement.

- ANI

More than 56% of voters on Wednesday (September 25, 2024) exercised their franchise in the second phase of polling for 26 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

“The polling passed off peacefully,” officials said.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, J&K Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole said the second phase recorded a turnout of 56.05%.

Mr. Pole said the percentage was tentative as polling was going on at some places like Hazratbal and Reasi.

He said the polling was peaceful and by and large smooth.

- PTI

Jammu and Kashmir’s Pir Panjal region witnessed an overwhelming response from first-time voters who enthusiastically participated in the second phase of assembly elections on Wednesday (September 25, 2024), aspiring for better job opportunities, skill education, development, and good governance in the Union territory.

The issues of restoration of statehood, Article 370, regional discrimination and sectarian politics failed to catch up with the young voters in J&K, as they want jobs, development, good governance, and peace.

For them, it was not just a responsibility to exercise their right to vote but also a matter of great pride. A large number of such voters turned up at the booths, not only in urban but also in rural areas of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts.

“I am very happy to vote for the first time in my life. It is my right and duty too. It makes me proud of my country, which has given us the right to choose our representatives. I urge all youngsters to come out and vote to choose your Government,” said 21-year-old Ananya, an engineering student who came from Jammu to Rajouri for voting.

- PTI

“A voter turnout of 54% was recorded till 5 p.m. in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir polls on Wednesday,” the Election Commission said.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat in the Jammu region recorded the overall highest voting percentage at 75.29, followed closely by Poonch-Haveli (72.71), Gulbgarh (ST) at 72.19 and Surankote (72.18), the EC data showed.

The maximum voting percentage among the 15 assembly segments in the Kashmir valley was recorded in Khansahib at 67.70. It was followed by Kangan (ST) at 67.60% and Chrar-i-Sharief at 66%.

The lowest 15.80% voting was recorded in the Habbakadal constituency till 5 p.m.

The voting concluded at 6 p.m.

- PTI

Addressing a poll rally in Gohana in Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people for taking part in the festival of democracy with great enthusiasm.

“Since morning, people are in queues to exercise their vote.The way in the first phase, the voting record broke in J&K, that too the world has seen,” he said.

- PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said restoration of statehood was the “right” of people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the INDIA bloc will hit the road and use “full force” in Parliament and outside if the Centre fails to restore it after assembly polls on Wednesday (September 25, 2024). 

In an election rally here, he said the 2019 decision to bifurcate the erstwhile state into two Union Territories (UTs) was “a grave injustice” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This has never happened in the history of India that we have taken away statehood and transformed a state into a Union Territory,” Mr. Gandhi said.

Read the full story below

INDIA bloc will hit road if J&K Statehood not restored after polls: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi vows to fight for Jammu and Kashmir statehood, criticizes BJP's economic policies in rally.

A voter turnout of 46.12% was recorded till 3 p.m. in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir polls on Wednesday, the Election Commission said.

The Gulabgarh (ST) seat in the Jammu region recorded the overall highest voting percentage at 65.57, followed closely by Poonch Haveli at 62.91, the EC data showed.

The maximum voting percentage among the 15 Assembly segments in the Kashmir valley was recorded in Khansahib at 58.2. It was followed by Kangan (ST) at 56.55% and Chrar-i-Sharief at 55.04%.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar described the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir as “history in the making”, saying people are standing in long queues outside polling booths at places where calls were once given to boycott the democratic exercise.

Mr. Kumar said 100% CCTV coverage is available for this phase and one could see youngsters, women and senior citizens patiently standing in queues, awaiting their turn to exercise their franchise.

Read the full story below

Jammu & Kashmir elections: History in making, says CEC Rajiv Kumar

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar hails historic Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, praises enthusiastic voter turnout and democratic spirit.

Stepping up his attack on the BJP-led central government, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that they snatched Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir so that it can be governed by outsiders.

Rahul Gandhi said that for the first time in history, a state was downgraded into a ‘Union Territory’ and injustice was served to the people of the territory.

“In the history of India, after 1947 several Union Territories were turned into States. States were divided - Telangana was formed out of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand was formed out of Bihar, Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. But for the first time after independence, a State was turned into a Union Territory. This was done to Jammu & Kashmir. This is an injustice to you. Your democratic rights have been snatched away from you. Today Jammu and Kashmir, is not run by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is run by the people of other states,” said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a public rally in Jammu.

-ANI

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that polling in the second phase is proof that people of the region have appreciated the decisions of the Central government with positive approach.

Referring to the voting percentage of the first phase of polls, Mr. Shekhawat said that there was a time when the voting percentage was in single digits due to the threats from terrorists but now a new record of voting percentage is likely to be created.

“In the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, the voting percentage was more than 60%. There was a time when the voting percentage was in the single digits due to threats from terrorists...Now, a new record will likely be made. This polling is itself proof that the public of Jammu and Kashmir is standing with the decisions of Central government of India, including the decision to abrogate Article 370. People of the territory have appreciated these things with positive approach. I can say that we will form a government in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr. Shekhawat said.

He said, “There was a time when the voting percentage was in the single digits due to the threats from terrorists...The enthusiasm among voters is proof that the time of terrorism has ended. After the abrogation of article 370, there has been a wave of peace in J-K.”

-ANI

26 Assembly Constituencies across six districts of Jammu & Kashmir have recorded an 36.93% voter turnout till 1 p.m., according to officials

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the INDIA bloc will use its full force within Parliament and even hit the roads if the BJP-led government fails to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir after the ongoing Assembly elections.

Addressing a public rally in support of party candidates here, the former Congress president said a grave injustice was done with the people of Jammu and Kashmir when the erstwhile State was divided into two Union Territories in 2019. - PTI

According to the Election Commission numbers, an overall voter turnout of 36.93 percent was recorded till 1 p.m. 

District Election Officer, Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan on Wednesday said that they witnessed the enthusiasm among voters and hoped for its continuation till 6 pm. According to the data of the Election Commission of India, Reasi recorded highest voter turnout of 33.39%

“There are 436 polling stations (in Reasi) and polling has begun on all of them. We can see the enthusiasm among voters...We hope that this continues till 6 pm. All facilities have been provided,” Mr. Mahajan said. The district of Reasi comprises of three Assembly constituencies, namely, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi and Mata Vaishno Devi-ANI

A 20-member foreign delegation visited polling stations in Ompora in Budgam and Amira Kadal and S.P. College in Srinagar’s Lal chowk constituency. “We have come to observe the election process and see how democracy is working on ground,” Alice Cheng, a delegate from Singapore, said.Bagh, within the Lal Chowk constituency, said. - Peerzada Ashiq

The poll calculus of the NC, which is aiming to win the maximum number of seats in the 90-member Assembly with the help of ally Congress, depends on Srinagar. 

The summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir has remained in the throes of militancy and still finds resonance of boycott politics in several pockets. However, the NC sees a change in the situation this time. Read more

A voter turnout of 24.10 per cent was recorded in the first four hours of polling, which began at 7 am, in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, officials said on Wednesday. 

The Gulabgarh (ST) seat in the Jammu region recorded the overall highest voting percentage at 35.72, followed closely by Poonch Haveli at 34.26. The maximum voting percentage among the 15 assembly segments in the Kashmir Valley was recorded in Kangan (ST) at 30.94. It was followed by Chrar-i-Sharief at 28.85 per cent and Khansahib at 27 per cent.The lowest 7.40 per cent voting was recorded in the Habbakadal constituency here till 11 am, they said.-PTI

Women voters outnumber men in the eight Assembly segments of Srinagar district where polls are underway today, September 25, in the second phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said in Srinagar.

Of the 7,74,462 registered voters, 3,87,778 are female while 3,86,654 are male and 30 people have registered themselves under the third gender category, they said. Women outnumber men in six of the eight Assembly constituencies with Central Shalteng and Eidgah segments being the exceptions. Read more

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday lashed out at the Centre’s move to invite foreign delegates to observe the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the polls were an internal matter of India. He said the assembly elections in J-K “are an internal matter for us”, and “we do not need their certificate”.

“Also, this participation (of people in polls) is not because of the government of India,” he said.-ANI

In a unique gesture, the first three voters at a polling station in Bagoo Rampora of Ganderbal constituency, planted saplings after casting their vote.National Conference has fielded its vice-president Omar Abdullah from Ganderbal seat while PDP has fielded Bashir Ahmad Mir from this seat. -ANI

Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah hoped that maximum votes to goes to the NC candidates and Congress candidates in alliance. “We hope the NC-Congress alliance government is formed,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah urged his alliance partner and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to wrap up campaigning in Kashmir and shift his focus towards Jammu. “I hope after Rahul is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu... The Congress’ campaign in Jammu is yet to begin and there are only five days of campaigning. I hope once Rahul is done campaigning in this one seat in the valley, the Congress focuses all it’s attention in the plains of Jammu.”,” Mr. Abdullah said. 

Senior diplomats from the United States, Norway, Singapore and many other countries are visiting Kashmir on Wednesday to witness the ongoing assembly elections.

The delegation comprised diplomats from Delhi-based missions of the US, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa , Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria and the Philippines, people familiar with the matter said.- PTI

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday told the people that their every vote for the INDIA bloc will break the “chakravyuh of injustice” created by the BJP and bring J&K on the path of prosperity.-PTI

“We wish for a peaceful and prosperous region for all. The powers involved in the conflict need to look at Kashmir as a humanitarian issue, which consumed many generations of Kashmiris who continue to yearn for a lasting solution. We want a closure to the conflict,’ says Hurriyat chairperson and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Click here to read interview

A voter turnout of 10.22 per cent was recorded in the first two hours of polling in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, an official said on Wednesday. 

The Surankote (ST) seat in the Jammu region recorded the overall highest voting percentage at 14.57 per cent, followed closely by Poonch Haveli at 14.56 per cent. The maximum voting percentage among the 15 assembly segments in the Kashmir Valley was recorded in Kangan (ST) at 13.52. It was followed by Chrar-i-Sharief at 13 per cent and Ganderbal at 12.06 per cent. The lowest 2.63 per cent voting was recorded in the Habbakadal constituency here, they said. -PTI

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina cast his vote Wednesday morning in his Nowshera assembly constituency in Rajouri district and expressed confidence the party will form the government in the union territory. “The BJP will win with a thumping majority and form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP will also register a victory from the Nowshera seat and contribute to the party’s victory,” he said. Mr. Raina Raina said that people are overwhelmingly voting for the peace, progress, prosperity, and development ensured by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the past 10 years.

“There is peace on the borders which used to see daily firing and shelling, disrupting the normal life of lakhs of border residents. There is new connectivity to far-flung and rural areas through tunnels, roads, and bridges. Social schemes have been implemented. Better infrastructure in all sectors of life have been put in place,” he said.- PTI

The voting in the second phase of J&K polls, began at a brisk note Wednesday morning with queues of electors seen at multiple polling booths across all the 26 seats, officials said brisk polling was witnessed in the first hour and long queues of people were seen outside the polling booths.

While the Chrar-e-Sharif assembly segment in central Kashmir’s Budgam district witnessed heavy polling, the two seats in Ganderbal district recorded brisk polling as well. However, the polling was yet to pick up in Srinagar district, the officials said.-PTI

In a groundbreaking initiative, a pink polling station was established in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district as Phase 2 of the assembly elections commenced on Wednesday.

Pink polling stations have been set up in other districts of Jammu-Kashmir too, including Reasi and Naushera among others.This unique polling station, entirely managed by women, aims to create a welcoming environment and encourage greater female participation in the electoral process. -ANI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed to the people of the Union Territory to vote in large numbers for a developed and terror-free region. 

“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,” Mr. Shah wrote in Hindi on ‘X’.

With Mr. Abdullah losing the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year to ​jailed candidate Sheikh Abdul Rashid or Engineer Rashid​ from the Baramulla constituency and NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah deciding against contesting elections due to health reasons, it is vital for junior Abdullah to win a seat and have a presence in the legislature in the 90-member Assembly of the union territory. 

In the Jammu region, BJP State president Ravinder Raina will seek re-election from the Nowshera seat, which is close to the Line of Control (LoC). He will face a tough competition from the NC’s Surinder Kumar Choudhary and the PDP’s Haq Nawaz. ​Read more​

Sugra Barkati, 17, the daughter of jailed cleric and contestant Sarjan Ahmad Wagay from south Kashmir’s Shopian has upended the poll calculations of major political parties, including former legislator Nazir Khan, in the Beerwah constituency. 

Ms. Barkati’s street rallies and emotional speeches about her father and mother’s ongoing detention have managed to galvanise significant support from voters, especially women, in the constituency. Read more

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,” Mr. Modi said while greeting the first-time voters.-PTI

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, officials said.

The voting began at 7 am across the 26 assembly constituencies amidst tight security arrangements, the officials said. - PTI

26 Assembly constituencies over six districts are heading to polls today.

The constituencies in Srinagar district are Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Central Shalteng and Eidgah.

The segments in Budgam district are Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief and Chadoora while there are two constituencies in Ganderbal district -- Kangan (ST) and Ganderbal.

The seats going to polls in Jammu division are Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (in Reasi district), Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST) (in Rajouri district), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST) (Poonch district).

- PTI

The BJP’s biggest bet will be put to test in the Pir Panchal valley when the region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch, will go to polls in the second phase of elections in the Jammu region on September 25.

Riding high after roping in influential Muslim candidates from Pahari and Gujjar communities and exploiting the historical fault lines between these linguistic groups and the Kashmiri-speaking population, the BJP hopes to win maximum seats from the Muslim majority region with eight Assembly segments.