Jammu and Kashmir Elections – Live Coverage

Jammu and Kashmir Votes in Final Phase of Assembly Elections, 11.06% Turnout Recorded

Today, voters across 40 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir are determining their fate. This includes 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 in the Kashmir division. A total of 415 candidates are contesting, including prominent leaders like former Deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Beig.

Polling started at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 6 p.m. As of 9 a.m., the Chief Electoral Officer reported a voter turnout of 11.06%. The voting process is progressing peacefully, backed by robust security arrangements.

The first phase of voting was conducted on September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first two phases recorded voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively.

In the Jammu division, voting is taking place in the Hindu-majority districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur. These districts hold significant importance for the BJP, which hopes to replicate its success from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In that election, the BJP led in 22 out of the 24 assembly segments.

On the other hand, the Congress is keen to regain its lost ground in this region. Throughout the campaign, the party focused on local issues such as the installation of smart electricity meters, the imposition of property taxes, and alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. These concerns resonate with voters seeking change.

Kashmir Division: A Different Battle

In the Kashmir division, the focus shifts to three districts in North Kashmir—Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla. Among the candidates are Engineer Rashid and Sajad Lone, two prominent figures whose constituencies will be closely monitored. Sajad Lone, leader of the People’s Conference, is contesting from Handwara and Kupwara, while Rashid aims to defend his stronghold in Langate.

The BJP has centered its campaign around the abrogation of Article 370 and its crackdown on separatists. It remains to be seen how these themes will resonate with voters in Kashmir, a region still grappling with political tensions.

Key Candidates to Watch

Several political heavyweights are in the fray today, representing both the BJP and the Congress. Among them:

• Devender Singh Rana: The BJP candidate from Nagrota is viewed as a rising star within the party. His campaign emphasizes development and infrastructure.
• Raman Bhalla: The Congress candidate from RS Pura-Jammu South, he is the party’s working president and a former J&K minister. Bhalla has emphasized local governance and administrative reforms.
• Tara Chand: A former deputy chief minister and Congress veteran, Tara Chand is contesting from Chhamb. His experience in navigating regional issues could prove vital for the party.
• Sajad Lone: Leader of the People’s Conference and a former separatist, Lone’s popularity in Kupwara and Handwara makes him a crucial player in this election.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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