Jammu Kashmir Assembly Election Highlights: 56% Turnout Recorded, No Need For Re-Poll Anywhere, J-K CEO Says
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More than 56 per cent voters on Wednesday exercised their franchise in the second phase of polling for 26 seats in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. The polling passed off peacefully, officials said. Addressing a press conference here, J&K Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole said the second phase recorded a turnout of 56.05 per cent. 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.
The polling was overall peaceful. Some stray incidents like arguments, etc took place, but there is no need for re-poll anywhere, he added. During the second phase, a 16-member delegation of foreign envoys visited the valley to witness the polls. This is perhaps for the first time since the eruption of insurgency that international observers were allowed to witness the elections in J&K. However, the move drew criticism from former chief minister Omar Abdullah who said the polls in J&K were an internal matter of the country. (PTI)
As of 7 PM, a voter turnout of 54.11% was recorded at the polling stations. Voting across 26 ACs which commenced at 7 AM today was held peacefully without any incidents of violence. The overall voter turnout recorded in these six districts that went for polls in Phase 2 have also surpassed the turnout recorded in Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Election Commission of India
Following is the Seat-wise turnout till 5 pm:
| S No | District | District Wise Turnout | Constituency | Constituency Wise Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budgam | 58.97% | Beerwah-28 | 62.50% |
| 2 | Budgam | Budgam-27 | 47.18% | |
| 3 | Budgam | Chadoora-31 | 54.16% | |
| 4 | Budgam | Chara-i-Sharief-30 | 66% | |
| 5 | Budgam | Khansahib-29 | 67.70% | |
| 6 | Ganderbal | 58.81% | Ganderbal- 18 | 53.44% |
| 7 | Ganderbal | Kangan(st)- 17 | 67.60% | |
| 8 | Poonch | 71.59% | Mendhar(st)- 90 | 69.67% |
| 9 | Poonch | Poonch Haveli-89 | 72.71% | |
| 10 | Poonch | Surankote(st) -53 | 72.18% | |
| 11 | Rajouri | 67.77% | Budhal(st)-86 | 66.95% |
| 12 | Rajouri | Kalakote-Sunderbani- 83 | 66.37% | |
| 13 | Rajouri | Nowshera- 84 | 69% | |
| 14 | Rajouri | Rajouri(st)-85 | 68.06% | |
| 15 | Rajouri | Thannamandi- 87 | 68.44% | |
| 16 | Reasi | 71.81% | Gulabgarh-56 | 72.19% |
| 17 | Reasi | Reasi-32 | 69.09% | |
| 18 | Reasi | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi- 58 | 75.29% | |
| 19 | Srinagar | 27.31% | Central Sheltang-26 | 29.09% |
| 20 | Srinagar | Channapora- 23 | 26.95% | |
| 21 | Srinagar | Eidgah-25 | 34.65% | |
| 22 | Srinagar | Habbakadal-21 | 15.80% | |
| 23 | Srinagar | Hazratbal -19 | 30.24% | |
| 24 | Srinagar | Khanyar-20 | 24% | |
| 25 | Srinagar | Lal Chowk -22 | 30.44% | |
| 26 | Srinagar | Zadibal-24 | 28.36% |
The Election Commission provides special Shikara services for voters living near Dal Lake to take them to their concerned polling booths in the Zadibal Assembly Constituency.
54% voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in the second phase of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections.
Bashir Mir, PDP Candidate from Ganderbal Assembly Constituency told ANI, " If you ask me about Ganderbal, why there is so much enthusiasm and why there is such a long queue to vote...one thing is that Omar Abdullah is such a high profile politician...people know that if they vote for him they can never meet him...80% people in Ganderbal is middle class. Middle class and below poverty line people need their representative...people know very well that if vote for him they will never have access to Omar Abdullah. People want to vote for someone like me a local, whom they will have access to and can address their issues..."
Elderly people came on wheelchairs to cast their votes at polling station 80, Khansahib in Budgam
Voters in queues at a polling station in Katra of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency.
PDP has contested Partap Krishan Sharma, BJP has contested Baldev Raj Sharma and Congress has contested Bhupinder Singh from this seat.
Visuals from the Zero point of India-Pakistan border in Makri and Sehar villages of Nowshera Assembly Constituency where the 2nd phase of voting is underway.
"The first and foremost issue is regarding your statehood. Several UTs have been made states, and states have been bifurcated... but this is the time in history that a state has been turned into a Union Territory. This has never happened in India, it's a matter of shame,. We wanted that your statehood be restored before the Assembly polls...": Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Sopore.
A delegation of diplomats from various countries in Jammu & Kashmir to witness Assembly elections in the UT visits Srinagar's Dal Lake
US Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan K Andrews tells ANI, "It is fascinating to see how India organises its elections and how thorough the preparations are and how celebratory this period is. It has been very inspiring...It is heartening to see Kashmir is casting vote after 10 years."
Seat-wise turnout till 3 pm (Overall polling turnout: 46.12 %):
1. Beerwah - 51.25 %
2. Budgam - 39.25 %
3. Budhal (ST) - 59.18 %
4. Central Shalteng - 24.09 %
5. Chadoora - 46.01 %
6. Channapora - 22.20 %
7. Chrar-i-Shareif - 55.04 %
8. Eidgah - 29 %
9. Ganderbal - 44.41 %
10. Gulabgarh (ST)- 65.57 %
11. Habbakadal - 13.28 %
12. Hazratbal - 25 %
13. Kalakote - Sunderbani - 57.79 %
14. Kangan (ST) - 56.55 %
15. Khansahib - 58.20 %
16. Khanyar - 20.50 %
17. Lal Chowk - 24.22 %
18. Mendhar (ST) - 58.17 %
19. Nowshera - 59.24 %
20. Poonch Haveli - 62.91 %
21. Rajouri (ST) - 59.51 %
22. Reasi - 61.83 %
23. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi - 64.26 %
24. Surankote (ST) - 62.95 %
25. Thannamandi (ST) - 59.09 %
26. Zadibal - 23.78 %
46.12% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in the second phase of polling in 26 constituencies in six districts of the UT
The voter turnout is not what was expected, following the Lok Sabha elections. Till now, 21,000 votes have been cast, but this number was around 32,000 during the parliamentary elections in this constituency. There has been a boycott in some areas, but we don't know the reasons about it. But Assembly elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir after 10 years and this is a festival of democracy in itself," says former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu on second phase of polling for Jammu and Kashmir elections. (PTI)
The voter trunout at 1 pm stood at 36.93 per cent as per the Election Commission of India.
| S No | District | District Wise Turnout | Constituency | Constituency Wise Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budgam | 39.43% | Beerwah-28 | 40.95% |
| 2 | Budgam | Budgam-27 | 31.68% | |
| 3 | Budgam | Chadoora-31 | 36.65% | |
| 4 | Budgam | Chara-i-Sharief-30 | 44.26% | |
| 5 | Budgam | Khansahib-29 | 45.44% | |
| 6 | Ganderbal | 39.29% | Ganderbal- 18 | 35.80% |
| 7 | Ganderbal | Kangan(st)- 17 | 45.00% | |
| 8 | Poonch | 49.94% | Mendhar(st)- 90 | 46.96% |
| 9 | Poonch | Poonch Haveli-89 | 51.57% | |
| 10 | Poonch | Surankote(st) -53 | 50.96% | |
| 11 | Rajouri | 46.93% | Budhal(st)-86 | 47.50% |
| 12 | Rajouri | Kalakote-Sunderbani- 83 | 46.08% | |
| 13 | Rajouri | Nowshera- 84 | 45.89% | |
| 14 | Rajouri | Rajouri(st)-85 | 47.36% | |
| 15 | Rajouri | Thannamandi- 87 | 47.58% | |
| 16 | Reasi | 51.55% | Gulabgarh-56 | 53.94% |
| 17 | Reasi | Reasi-32 | 50.25% | |
| 18 | Reasi | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi- 58 | 49.47% | |
| 19 | Srinagar | 17.95% | Central Sheltang-26 | 19.14% |
| 20 | Srinagar | Channapora- 23 | 18.21% | |
| 21 | Srinagar | Eidgah-25 | 23.00% | |
| 22 | Srinagar | Habbakadal-21 | 11.14% | |
| 23 | Srinagar | Hazratbal -19 | 18.70% | |
| 24 | Srinagar | Khanyar-20 | 16.07% | |
| 25 | Srinagar | Lal Chowk -22 | 19.11% | |
| 26 | Srinagar | Zadibal-24 | 19.25% |
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar noted that people are coming out in large numbers to vote.
"This is a history in the making...We are very happy that the voting is taking place in the entire valley and Jammu with enthusiasm...Be it the valley of Srinagar, be it the high mountain peaks from where the calls for disruption used to come, everywhere people are coming out to vote. Even in areas where there used to be calls for boycotts, there is enthusiasm among voters," the CEC said.
"It is for the world to see that how the elections can take place in J&K in a peaceful, fair manner...A large number of diplomats are also around in the area to see the assembly elections...," he added.
The voter turnout after 4 hours of voting stands at 24.10 per cent with highest in Reasi and lowest in Srinagar, as per Election Commission of India data.
| S No | District | District Wise Turnout | Constituency | Constituency Wise Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budgam | 25.53% | Beerwah-28 | 26.62% |
| 2 | Budgam | Budgam-27 | 21.78% | |
| 3 | Budgam | Chadoora-31 | 24.16% | |
| 4 | Budgam | Chara-i-Sharief-30 | 28.85% | |
| 5 | Budgam | Khansahib-29 | 27.00% | |
| 6 | Ganderbal | 27.20% | Ganderbal- 18 | 24.91% |
| 7 | Ganderbal | Kangan(st)- 17 | 30.94% | |
| 8 | Poonch | 33.06% | Mendhar(st)- 90 | 30.90% |
| 9 | Poonch | Poonch Haveli-89 | 34.26% | |
| 10 | Poonch | Surankote(st) -53 | 33.79% | |
| 11 | Rajouri | 30.04% | Budhal(st)-86 | 31.62% |
| 12 | Rajouri | Kalakote-Sunderbani- 83 | 30.74% | |
| 13 | Rajouri | Nowshera- 84 | 21.42% | |
| 14 | Rajouri | Rajouri(st)-85 | 33.77% | |
| 15 | Rajouri | Thannamandi- 87 | 31.61% | |
| 16 | Reasi | 33.39% | Gulabgarh-56 | 35.72% |
| 17 | Reasi | Reasi-32 | 32.31% | |
| 18 | Reasi | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi- 58 | 31.08% | |
| 19 | Srinagar | 11.67% | Central Sheltang-26 | 12.27% |
| 20 | Srinagar | Channapora- 23 | 11.48% | |
| 21 | Srinagar | Eidgah-25 | 15.70% | |
| 22 | Srinagar | Habbakadal-21 | 7.40% | |
| 23 | Srinagar | Hazratbal -19 | 12.80% | |
| 24 | Srinagar | Khanyar-20 | 10.79% | |
| 25 | Srinagar | Lal Chowk -22 | 11.39% | |
| 26 | Srinagar | Zadibal-24 | 12.52% |
Jammu Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah along with son and party candidate from Ganderbal Omar Abdullah cast their votes in Srinagar. Omar's two sons Zahir and Zamir Abdullah also accompanied them at the polling booth.
JKNC leader Omar Abdullah said he hopes Rahul Gandhi will focus on campaigning in Jammu after getting done with Kashmir.
"I hope after Rahul is done campaigning for one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu. Ultimately what the Congress does in Kashmir is not that important what the Congress does in Jammu is important," he said.
"Unfortunately Congress hasn't done as much in the planes of Jammu as we would expect them to do," he added.
"The lion share of the seats that the alliance gave in Jammu was to the Congress party, yet the Congress's campaign in Jammu is yet to be in," said the former J&K Chief Minister.
Two hours of voting has been completed and the pace is yet to pick up as voter turnout stands at 10.22 per cent, according to Election Commission of India.
| S No | District | District Wise Turnout | Constituency | Constituency Wise Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Budgam | 10.91% | Beerwah-28 | 11.00% |
| 2 | Budgam | Budgam-27 | 8.59% | |
| 3 | Budgam | Chadoora-31 | 10.88% | |
| 4 | Budgam | Chara-i-Sharief-30 | 13.00% | |
| 5 | Budgam | Khansahib-29 | 11.59% | |
| 6 | Ganderbal | 12.61% | Ganderbal- 18 | 12.06% |
| 7 | Ganderbal | Kangan(st)- 17 | 13.52% | |
| 8 | Poonch | 14.41% | Mendhar(st)- 90 | 14.06% |
| 9 | Poonch | Poonch Haveli-89 | 14.56% | |
| 10 | Poonch | Surankote(st) -53 | 14.57% | |
| 11 | Rajouri | 12.71% | Budhal(st)-86 | 12.42% |
| 12 | Rajouri | Kalakote-Sunderbani- 83 | 12.79% | |
| 13 | Rajouri | Nowshera- 84 | 12.03% | |
| 14 | Rajouri | Rajouri(st)-85 | 13.97% | |
| 15 | Rajouri | Thannamandi- 87 | 12.43% | |
| 16 | Reasi | 13.37% | Gulabgarh-56 | 14.38% |
| 17 | Reasi | Reasi-32 | 12.71% | |
| 18 | Reasi | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi- 58 | 12.56% | |
| 19 | Srinagar | 4.70 | Central Sheltang-26 | 5.08% |
| 20 | Srinagar | Channapora- 23 | 4.28% | |
| 21 | Srinagar | Eidgah-25 | 6.96% | |
| 22 | Srinagar | Habbakadal-21 | 2.63% | |
| 23 | Srinagar | Hazratbal -19 | 5.43% | |
| 24 | Srinagar | Khanyar-20 | 4.40% | |
| 25 | Srinagar | Lal Chowk -22 | 4.28% | |
| 26 | Srinagar | Zadibal-24 | 5.09% |
JKNC leader and candidate from Ganderbal constituency, Omar Abdullah said he was "quietly hopeful" of winning the elections. He also emphasised that all the phases of elections are important for the party even though he has got a personal stake in this phase.
A voter said that the Kashmiri Pandits connect with Kashmir while Jammu is also their home. "Kashmiri Pandits connect with Kashmir. Jammu is our home but the inner connection is with Kashmir...All the registered voters should come and cast their vote...," the voter said.
Baramulla Lok Sabha MP and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid urged the voters not to cast their votes under any pressure.
"I hope that the people will vote in central Kashmir listening to the voice of their conscience," Rashid said.
"I appeal to the city voters that city is the heart of Kashmir and you all should listen to conscience while voting and don't vote under any pressure. Vote for the candidate who you think is the best and will speak for your day-today issues. I hope that the wave of Awami Ittehad Party will sweep Srinagar and Budgam too," he added.
Long queues of women as early voters come out to cast ballots in large numbers.
Congress candidate from Rajouri, Iftkar Ahmed said that there is a lot of enthusiasm amongst people. "Today is the biggest festival of democracy in which people are casting their votes after 10 years. I just checked the polling station, there is a polling station is Higher Secondary School. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people and they are voting. I appeal to the people to come and vote in huge numbers...," he said.
A voter who cast his vote in Ganderbal constituency said that he was happy that the elections were happening after 10 years adding that it would've been better had it happened earlier. "I have voted. There are several issues here. I have voted for the resolution of all those issues," said Gulam Hasan Safi. "We are happy that the elections are being held after 10 years. This should have happened earlier. It is good that it is happening now. I have also planted saplings here...," he added.
The first three voters who cast their vote at a polling station in Bagoo Rampora of Ganderbal constituency planted a sapling after casting their vote. Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is contesting the polls from this seat against People's Democratic Party candidate Bashir Ahmad Mir.
BJP candidate from Lal Chowk asssembly seat under Srinagar district, Aijaz Hussain said: "People have gained confidence in the democratic set-up...I am hopeful that the public will vote for development...I am confident that the BJP will emerge victorious from the Lal Chowk Assembly constituency...I appeal to voters to come out and vote in large numbers..."
BJP candidate from Habba Kadal constituency, Ashok Kumar Bhat urged people to step out and vote. "The voting will go smoothly and people will come out in large numbers to vote. I am hopeful that the public will vote for BJP...," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to vote as the polling began for the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections. "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," Modi said in an X post.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in maximum numbers for a "terror-free" and "developed" Jammu and Kashmir.
"Cast record votes for a government that works with commitment for the golden future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the rights of the deprived and women and for the development of this place. Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption," he said in a post on X.
BJP candidate from Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency, Baldev Raj Sharm cast his vote as soon as the polls opened at 7 am. Mata Vaishno Devi, under Jammu division is a new assembly constituency that was carved out after delimitation.
Ahead of the voting, Sharma appealed to voters to vote in large numbers in the favour of BJP. "We are very happy about the fact that our constituency is named after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi...," he said.
People queued up outside polling stations as voting for second phase of election began in Jammu and Kashmir.
The polling has begun for the second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. 26 seats are up for grabs where over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates.
Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma performed prayers at his residence ahead of opening of polls. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly Constituency is a new constituency made after delimitation.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravindra Raina offered prayers at Thakurdwara Temple ahead of the second phase of polling. The BJP candidate who is eyeing to retain his Nowshera seat urged people to vote freely and without fear.
"Today, voting for the second phase of elections will take place. I hope that there will be good voting and new records of voting will be set. This is a matter of joy for democracy. I urge the people of J&K to vote freely and without fear. Vote for strengthening the democracy, for a new and happy Jammu & Kashmir," Raina said while speaking to reporters.
Eyes will also be set on the polling percentage in the second phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir where assembly elections are taking place after a decade and the first time after the abrogation of Article 370. The voters in the first phase of polling, which took place on September 18, started the election on a high note clocking around 59 per cent of voter turnout.
Other VIP candidates in the fray for today's voting include Jammu Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra and J&K Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ravindra Raina. Karra is contesting from Central Shalteng. Raina will be trying to retain his Nowshera seat in Rajouri district.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari (Channapora), former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khanyar), Abdul Rahim Rather (Chrar-i-Sharief), Choudhary Zulfikar Ali (Budhal), and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (Surankote) are some of the other key candidates in this phase of voting.
To ensure a free and fair atmosphere during the election process, a multi-tier security blanket has been thrown around each of the 3,500 polling stations set up across 26 assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir. The security cover comprises police, armed police, and central armed paramilitary forces, and have already taken their positions before the opening of the votes.
Over 13,000 polling staff will oversee the Wednesday polling process.
Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's fate will be tested in the second phase of the elections. Abdullah, who had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls from Baramulla constituency will again test his electoral fate from the Ganderbal and Budgam assembly seats.
Abdullah had lost the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat to Engineer Rashid and the assembly polls contest may also not come easy. Jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati is hoping to repeat Rashid's feat against the National Conference leader from Ganderbal seat.
Over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates for the second phase of elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The voting will take place in 26 assembly constituencies including Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Central Shalteng and Eidgah under Srinagar district. Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief and Chadoora under Budgam district, and Kangan (ST) and Ganderbal under Ganderbal district.
From Jammu division, the seats which are up for grabs include 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).
Background
Jammu Kashmir Assembly Election Highlights: Stay tuned with ABP Live for all the latest updates as we bring you comprehensive coverage of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections for 26 constituencies – 11 in Jammu and 15 in Kashmir – have begun. With several high-profile candidates in the fray, the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election is expected to be crucial for the Union territory major political parties.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP's J&K President Ravinder Raina and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari are among the key candidates in the fray in this phase of elections. The seats that will vote today are spread across the central Kashmir districts of Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal, as well as the Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region.
The Election Commission of India has established 3,502 polling stations in these segments to facilitate smooth and hassle-free electoral participation. There are 1,056 urban polling stations and 2,446 rural polling stations, an official said. All polling stations will have webcasting facilities as part of the Election Commission's efforts to ensure transparency.
As many as 93 candidates are in the fray in Srinagar district, followed by 46 in Budgam district, 34 in Rajouri district, 25 in Poonch district, 21 in Ganderbal district and 20 in Reasi district.
The first phase of the elections witnessed a voter turnout of 61.38 percent on September 18. The third phase will go to polls on October 1. The votes will be counted on October 8.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra has been fielded from Central Shalteng seat in Srinagar. J&K unit president Ravinder Raina, who registered victory in 2014 from the Nowshera seat, is seeking re-election from the key constituency in Rajouri district. Omar Abdullah is contesting the 2024 assembly elections from two constituencies in Central Kashmir including Budgam and Ganderbal.
Altaf Bukhari, the wealthiest candidate in the second phase with assets exceeding ₹165 crore is contesting from the Channapora seat in Srinagar.
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