Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election: Phase 2 Polling for 26 Seats in 6 Districts Today

Jammu and Kashmir: Phase 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election is set to take place today, with 26 assembly constituencies across six districts voting to decide the fate of 239 candidates. The polling will begin at 7 AM and conclude at 6 PM, with over 2.5 million voters expected to participate.

This election is the first assembly poll in the Union Territory since its special status and statehood were revoked five years ago. Below are 10 key points about the Phase 2 polling:

10 Key Points on Phase 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election:

1. Security Arrangements: Security has been tightened across all regions to ensure a peaceful election process. Several constituencies are located along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. However, the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan is expected to reduce the chances of cross-border shelling.
2. Recent Terror Attacks: Three districts—Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch—have experienced multiple terror attacks over the past three years. These districts are among the most sensitive areas in this phase of polling.
3. Volatile Constituencies: Eleven seats in these hill districts have been the most volatile, witnessing more than a dozen terror attacks since 2021. The most recent incident was an attack on a pilgrimage bus in Reasi.
4. Constituencies Voting Today: The 26 constituencies participating in this phase include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote – Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
5. Key Candidates: Prominent candidates include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina, and JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra. Omar Abdullah is contesting from two seats—Ganderbal and Budgam—while Karra is vying for the Central Shalteng seat.
6. Wealthiest Candidate: J&K Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari, whose assets exceed ₹165 crore, is contesting from the Channapora seat in Srinagar. He faces competition from PDP’s Mohammed Iqbal Trumboo, National Conference’s Mushtaq Guroo, and BJP’s Hilal Ahmad Wani.
7. Election Discourse: Campaign discussions have largely focused on issues such as terrorism, the abrogation of Article 370, the restoration of statehood, and resuming dialogue with Pakistan over the Kashmir dispute.
8. Controversial Remarks: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s comments on Article 370 and the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance have provided the BJP with fresh opportunities to target the alliance, accusing them of aligning with Pakistan’s stance.
9. Foreign Delegation Visit: To showcase the democratic transition in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has invited a delegation of foreign diplomats to visit the Union Territory and observe the polling process first-hand.
10. Voter Turnout in Phase 1: The first phase of polling, held in 24 constituencies across seven districts, saw a voter turnout of 61.13%.

Polling Process and Security Measures: Polling officials have taken extensive measures to ensure a smooth and secure voting process. Voters are encouraged to participate actively, as their vote will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the region.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election and the outcomes of Phase 2 polling.

News by Prime Time Today