Voting Underway in Jammu and Kashmir for Assembly Polls: Key Highlights

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 1st Sept. Voting is currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir for the third and final phase of assembly polls, aiming to select representatives for 40 out of the total 90 constituencies.

Here’s a roundup of the key developments:

Constituencies in Focus: The polls cover 40 constituencies, including 24 in the Jammu division and 16 in Kashmir. The Jammu division comprises Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur districts, while Baramulla and Kupwara represent the Kashmir Valley.

District Breakdown: In the Jammu district, there are 11 constituencies; Samba has three; Kathua has six; Udhampur has four; Baramulla has seven; Bandipora has three; and Kupwara has six.

Voter Turnout So Far: As of 9 AM, the average voter turnout across the 40 constituencies was recorded at 11.6%.

Prime Minister’s Call to Action: Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to participate in the voting process, emphasizing the significance of the elections as a “festival of democracy.” He expressed confidence that young voters and women would turn out in large numbers.

Expectations for Increased Turnout: There is optimism that this phase will witness higher voter turnout. Previous phases recorded lower participation rates compared to the 2014 elections, which saw a turnout of 66%.

Previous Phases’ Results: The first phase of voting on September 18 recorded a turnout of 61.13%, while the second phase saw a turnout of 56%, both figures below the 2014 turnout.

Context of the Elections: These elections mark the first since the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, with statehood restoration emerging as a prominent issue.

Inclusiveness in the Elections: This election is noteworthy for its inclusiveness, featuring candidates from former separatist groups, including members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, who are contesting as Independents.

Political Landscape: The BJP has pledged to restore statehood, while the Congress and National Conference, which are allied, prioritize the same in their agenda.

Triangular Contest: The elections are characterized by a triangular contest among the BJP, Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party, and the National Conference-Congress alliance.

Counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, following the completion of all three phases of the elections.

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