Vote and strengthen democracy: Modi, Shah urge voters on J&K 2nd phase polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon voters in Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to vote as the second phase of the Union Territory’s assembly elections commenced.
“I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play an important role in strengthening democracy,” Modi said, extending special greetings to first-time voters participating in the democratic process.
The second phase of polling will determine the fate of 239 candidates vying for 26 assembly seats, including former chief minister Omar Abdullah. Over 2.5 million eligible voters across six districts—three in the Kashmir Valley and three in the Jammu division—are expected to participate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also made a public appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers, advocating for a future free from terrorism and focused on development.
“I appeal to all voters in the second phase to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah wrote on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). He emphasized the need for a government committed to the future of the region’s youth, ensuring the rights of the underprivileged and women, and driving overall development.“Vote today to strengthen democracy and free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism, and corruption,” Shah added.Voting for the second phase of the assembly elections began at 7 am across the 26 constituencies amid tight security measures. This is the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.