Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, held after a decade-long gap, commenced today, with polling taking place across 26 seats in six districts. These constituencies include several areas with a strong separatist presence.
Approximately 26 lakh voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in today’s elections. Notable candidates include former Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies. Other prominent candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina, standing from the Nowshera seat, and Congress’s Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central Shalteng.
Polling is underway in significant constituencies such as Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Lal Chowk, Eidgah, and several others across the region. Notably, 15 of the 26 seats are in central Kashmir, where separatists have historically maintained influence.
In the first phase, voter turnout reached 61.13%, lower than the record 66% in 2014. Today’s voting figures are anticipated as a key indicator of whether recent development efforts have restored faith in the democratic process.
Voting for the third phase will occur on October 1, and the final vote count will be conducted on October 8, alongside the Haryana elections.
