The first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections kicked off peacefully today, with a 50.65% voter turnout recorded by 3 pm. Over 2.3 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 24 constituencies – 16 in the Kashmir Valley and eight in the Jammu region – to decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents. Security forces were deployed to ensure a smooth voting process.
The highest turnout was reported in Pahalgam at 47.68%, followed closely by D H Pora at 43.66%, Dooru at 41.30%, and Kokernag at 41%. In the Jammu region, Inderwal led the tally with a voter participation of 60.01% till 1 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other leaders encouraged voters to participate in the “festival of democracy,” emphasizing the importance of exercising democratic rights.
[news_related_post]The elections mark a significant milestone, being the first since Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu and Kashmir’s status was changed in August 2019. The outcome will shape the region’s future, with leaders emphasizing the need for peace, stability, and development. The next phases of the elections are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting set to take place on October 8.
