The first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) saw a voter turnout of 41.17% as of 1 pm, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The voting process, which began at 7 am, is ongoing across the Union Territory and will conclude at 6 pm.
District-wise, Kishtwar reported the highest turnout at 56.86%, followed by Doda at 50.81%, Ramban at 49.68%, Kulgam at 39.91%, Shopian at 38.72%, Anantnag at 37.90%, and Pulwama with the lowest at 29.84%.
A brief disruption occurred at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar, due to a protest regarding voter identification. Kishtwar District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Shavan addressed the situation, stating, “There was some confusion among people here, there was a crowd, and it has been resolved. The issue involved one person not having an identity card. The situation is normal, and voting has resumed.”
Meanwhile, Kashmiri migrant voters cast their votes under high security at the ITI College Campus in Jammu.
Political candidates were optimistic as they cast their votes. Rakesh Thakur, BJP candidate from Ramban, expressed confidence in his party’s victory, stating, “After the abrogation of Article 370, a lot of development has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir, and we have highlighted those works during the elections. The BJP government will be formed in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from Banihal, Sajad Shaheen, also commented on the positive atmosphere, saying, “The public wants to vote for the regional party Jammu & Kashmir National Conference so that their regional issues can be addressed. We are getting a lot of support from the public, and I am hopeful of a thumping majority.”
The first phase involves 24 assembly constituencies across the Union Territory, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 seats in the Jammu region. The second and third phases of voting in J-K are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.
