Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: The second phase of voting for the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has commenced today, Wednesday, September 25, across 26 constituencies in six districts. Voting will continue until 6 PM, with heightened security in key areas such as Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, which have seen an uptick in terror activities in recent years.
Over 2.5 million voters are set to determine the political fate of 239 candidates, with 79 of them vying for seats in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu. This election marks the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade, following the abrogation of Article 370.
The first phase, held on September 18, saw a strong voter turnout of 61.13% across 24 constituencies in seven districts. The third phase is scheduled for October 1, with final vote counting on October 8.
Among the prominent candidates in this phase is National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from both Ganderbal and Budgam. Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina is running from Nowshera in Rajouri, a seat he has held for the past ten years.
To ensure smooth voting, the Election Commission has established 157 special polling stations, including 26 “pink polling stations” managed by women, 26 run by specially-abled persons, 26 managed by youth, and 31 along the border.
During a rally earlier this week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming the PM had lost his confidence. The BJP quickly dismissed these comments as baseless and laughable. As the elections continue, alliances between the Congress, National Conference, BJP, and PDP will play a crucial role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.
