The second phase of the J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024 began on a brisk note, with long queues of voters seen at polling stations across six districts in the region. Voting commenced at 7 AM on 26 seats, with over 2.5 million voters set to decide the fate of 239 candidates. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 3,502 polling stations, including 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural booths, ensuring extensive coverage with webcasting facilities to guarantee transparency.
Key figures in the election include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP J-K president Ravinder Raina. Security forces, including the police, paramilitary, and other armed personnel, are deployed to maintain order and ensure smooth J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024.
Early Voter Turnout
As of 9 AM, the Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 10.22% across the six districts. Early figures suggest the following region-wise turnout:
- Budgam: 10.91%
- Ganderbal: 12.61%
- Poonch: 14.41%
- Rajouri: 12.71%
- Reasi: 13.37%
- Srinagar: 4.70%
The voting in the J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024 will continue until 6 PM, with polling stations across the region witnessing enthusiastic participation. Former CM Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about a strong voter turnout, saying, “We expect a good turnout from the second phase also. People are voting in spite of the government’s actions, not because of them.”
High-Profile Participation
Several key political leaders cast their votes early, including Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party. After casting his vote, Bukhari commented on the importance of the elections, stating, “People are coming out in large numbers to vote with hopes for change. This is a golden opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to elect a government that will ensure their development.”
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi also made a strong appeal to voters, urging them to participate in large numbers. “By snatching away your statehood, the BJP government has insulted you and played with your constitutional rights. Your vote will break this vicious circle of injustice and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity,” he posted on social media.
International Observers Monitor Polls
A high-level delegation of foreign diplomats from countries including the USA, South Korea, Spain, and South Africa visited polling stations in Budgam to observe the voting process in the J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024. National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah raised concerns about the government’s contradictory stance on foreign delegations observing the elections. He noted, “If the issue is internal, why are these international observers invited? People are voting despite the attempts by the Government of India, not because of them.”
Security Measures and Smooth Conduct
To ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central paramilitary forces, have been deployed at every polling station. The Election Commission’s focus on security comes amid historical concerns about voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir due to threats from extremist groups. However, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the strong turnout in the first phase, which saw over 60% participation.
Shekhawat stated, “There was a time when voting percentages were in single digits due to terrorist threats. Today, voters are participating fearlessly, and we may set a new voter turnout record in this second phase.” He also expressed confidence that the BJP will form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, riding on the back of high voter participation.
What’s at Stake in Phase 2?
The second phase of the J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024 covers six key districts, with over 239 candidates vying for 26 assembly seats. The outcome of these elections will play a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the region, which has been without an elected government for over a decade.
The first phase of voting, held on September 18, saw a voter turnout of 61.13%, with 24 constituencies going to the polls across seven districts. This phase set a promising tone for the ongoing elections, with political analysts anticipating similar or even higher participation in the subsequent phases.
Conclusion
As the J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024 enters its second phase, the enthusiasm of voters across Jammu and Kashmir is evident, with many expressing their desire for change. The next few phases will be crucial in determining the political future of the region, as parties like the NC, Congress, and BJP vie for control. With robust security arrangements and a transparent polling process, the elections are expected to continue smoothly, with results that will shape Jammu and Kashmir’s governance for the years to come.
Stay connected to know more on arcnews.online for global news like J&K Assembly Elections Voting in 2024. For videos updates visit our YouTube. Do subscribe to Arcnews to get latest updates directly in your mail box.
Have A Great Day.
