J&K Assembly Elections Phase II: 54% Voter Turnout Till 5 PM (image: x.com/ceo_UTJK/)
The second phase of Assembly election is progressing in Jammu and Kashmir. Voting began on 7 am and is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm today, September 25. Security has been beefed up ahead of polls in Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch due to increase in terror attacks witnessed in the region.
As per the latest update, voter turnout recorded 54% till 5 pm. Among the constituencies, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi records higher voter turnout at 75.29 %, followed by Poonch Haveli, Gulabgarh, and Surankote at 72.71%, 72.19%, and 72.18%, respectively.
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Twenty-six Assembly segments across six districts go to polls today. As per reports, vigorous polling was witnessed in the initial hours. A delegation of diplomats from many countries comprising, United States, Norway, Philippines, and Singapore visited polling stations to observed the poll process.
More than 2.5 million voters will decide the poll prospects of 239 candidates. The high-profile candidates in the fray includes NC Vice President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, BJP state chief Ravinder Raina, JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, and jailed separatist Sarjan Ahmad Wagay.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar remarked the ongoing assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir as “a standing ovation for democracy.”
“It is a festival of democracy. Voting is taking place in areas where it did not take place earlier…. There were calls for disruption and boycott in the past…. It is a standing ovation for democracy,” the PTI quotes as Rajiv Kumar is saying.
As a pioneering initiative, pink polling station have been set up in many districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The unique polling station, managed by women, aims to generate a welcoming environment and encourage greater female participation in the electoral process, ANI reports.
The assembly constituencies going to polls in the second phase are Kangan, Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh, Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote- Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Thannamandi, Surankote, Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar.
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In the morning, PM Modi has requested voters in Jammu and Kashmir to cast their votes in the second round of polling 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!,” he tweeted.
The first phase of election held on September across 24 constituencies marked a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent.
