Voting Begins in Second Phase of J&K Elections ; PM Modi Calls for Strong Voter Participation
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on voters in Jammu and Kashmir to turn out in large numbers for the second phase of assembly elections, which began early Wednesday morning. He emphasised the importance of each vote in strengthening democracy in the Union Territory.
Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play their important role in strengthening democracy. On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time, PM Modi posted on X.
Polling started at 7 a.m. across 3,502 polling stations spread over 26 constituencies in six districts. These include Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu Division.
More than 25 lakh eligible voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates contesting in this phase. Key candidates include former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from the National Conference, who is running in both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies. Other prominent contenders are BJP’s state president Ravinder Raina from the Nowshera seat and Congress leader Tariq Hamid Karra from Central Shalteng.
The constituencies voting today include Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, and Budgam, along with several seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), such as Kangan, Rajouri, Budhal, and Mendhar. The final phase of polling will take place on October 1, and the results will be declared on October 8.