Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024: The second phase of the much-awaited Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections 2024 began Wednesday, September 25, with voting across 26 seats in six districts. The voters have till 6 PM to cast their ballots. A very strong security presence has been enforced in the key constituencies, particularly in Rajouri. The region has seen a spate of terror-related incidents in the recent past and hence, tighter measures have been enforced to ensure a smooth ballot process.
Strong Voter Turnout Expected Following Successful First Phase on 18 September
More than 2.5 million voters are expected to exercise their franchise in this second phase of these assembly polls, which will decide the fortunes of 239 candidates. Pir Panjal region of Jammu is likely to be the sharpest battleground with 79 candidates in the fray. It’s a very momentous election for the simple reason that this is the first set of assembly polls after Article 370 was abrogated last year. The event has created huge buzz among the voter fraternity and the political class.
Voting began for the first phase of the election on 18 September in up to 24 constituencies spread across seven districts with an impressive voter turnout of 61.13%. The third and final phase is scheduled for 1 October, while the votes will be counted on 8 October to arrive at the final result and decide Jammu & Kashmir’s political future.
Haidarpora saw enthusiastic voter turnout
According to the second phase reports, a widespread increase in enthusiasm among voters is reported. As early as 9 AM, 10.22% had polled in the 26 constituencies. Mixed participation was observed in some constituencies: Budgam 10.91%, Ganderbal 12.61%, Reasi 13.37% and Rajouri 12.71%. Poonch led the list with 14.41%, whereas Srinagar remained at the last with just 4.70%.
The long queues outside polling stations are a clear indication of the eagerness of the public to vote. Many of the voters have said that it is the hope of a better and stable future for Jammu & Kashmir that leads them to vote. A voter from Rajouri quoted, “We have waited for 10 years for these elections, and now we have the chance to express our views.
Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference, said that though problems indeed existed, the electoral process in this region was highly important. “We have been waiting for 10 years, and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase as well. This participation is not because of the government of India; it is in spite of everything the government of India did,” he said, a twist to reflect a sentiment of resistance against what many feel was the imposition of central government policies.
Rahul Gandhi Urges Voters to Support Opposition Alliance INDIA on Social Media
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi went to X (formerly Twitter) and appealed for people to vote for the opposition alliance, INDIA. He wrote, “My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today is the second phase of voting, come out in large numbers and vote for your rights, prosperity and prosperity – vote for INDIA. By snatching away your statehood, the BJP government has insulted you and played with your constitutional rights. Your every vote for INDIA will break this vicious circle of injustice created by the BJP and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity.”
Prominent Faces
Let us tell you that amidst the ongoing voting, there are many big leaders on whom everyone’s eyes are fixed. Today’s election will test a number of candidates, including former chief minister and leader of the National Conference Omar Abdullah, who is running from the seats of Ganderbal and Budgam.
Other notable contenders in the race are Tariq Hamid Karra, the head of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, from the Central-Shalteng seat, and Ravinder Raina, the chief of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP, from the Nowshera assembly seat.
Security Concerns
Given the history of terror attacks in districts such as Rajouri and Poonch, security has been at the forefront. Statues of personnel have increased with frisking posts at multiple check points so no unfortunate incident takes place. But against this background, peaceful phase one voting has paved the way for the following phases of this election as well.
As the second phase of voting comes to a close later today, the attention is bound to shift towards the turnout figures and political implications that this high-voltage election may throw up. On November 11, just a few days from now, Jammu & Kashmir is poised for a radical change, as it awaits its verdict in the results expected to take shape the region’s future.