Srinagar witnessed the early stages of the Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Sabha elections as 50 MLAs cast their votes by 10:30 AM on Friday. Of the votes counted so far, 20 were from the BJP, 28 from the National Conference (NC), and one each from the PDP and Congress. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the first to cast his vote, signaling the commencement of polling at 9:00 AM. Three polling booths were set up inside the Legislative Assembly complex to facilitate the voting process, which will continue until 4:00 PM, with counting scheduled for 5:00 PM.

The National Conference is projected to comfortably secure three of the four Rajya Sabha seats, given its majority in the Assembly. Attention now centers on the fourth seat, where NC and BJP each have 28 votes, making the outcome uncertain. Analysts note that unless cross-voting occurs among MLAs from other parties or independents, the BJP’s chances of winning this seat remain minimal. The high-stakes contest reflects the strategic significance of Rajya Sabha representation in the Union Territory and the ongoing political maneuvering among regional parties.

Voting day has seen a disciplined turnout and smooth operations at the Legislative Assembly. Security and administrative arrangements have ensured orderly proceedings, while the MLAs continue to exercise their franchise. Observers emphasize that this election serves as a key indicator of party strength and alliances in Jammu & Kashmir, providing insights into how regional political dynamics may shape governance and legislative priorities in the coming years.