J&K Assembly Elections: Voter Turnout Surges To 54% At 5 PM; Jammu's Mata Vaishno Devi Tops With 75.29%, Kashmir's Habbakadal at 15.80%

The second round of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections witnessed a surge in voter participation of 46.12% by 3 PM. The overall average turnout in the Jammu Division continues to outpace the Kashmir Division, with Jammu reporting approximately 53.73% and Kashmir standing at about 39.77%.

Srinagar, (Jammu and Kashmir):The voter turnout for phase two of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections surged to 54% by 5 PM, showing a steady rise from 46.12% at 3 PM and 36.93% at 1 PM. While the Jammu Division continued to outperform the Kashmir Division, both regions saw significant rises in participation.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency led the turnout with an impressive 75.29% by 5 PM, reflecting brisk voting in the afternoon. Poonch Haveli followed closely with 72.71%. Other strong performers in the Jammu Division include Gulabgarh (ST), which recorded 72.19%, and Budhal (ST), which saw an impressive rise to 66.95%. Rajouri (ST) recorded 68.06%, and Reasi surged to 69.09%. Kalakote - Sunderbani also witnessed a rise in voter engagement, climbing to 66.37%, while Surankote (ST) reported 72.18%. Nowshera saw a remarkable turnout of 69%, and Mendhar (ST) reached 69.67%. Thannamandi (ST) has recorded 68.44% so far.

The Kashmir Division, although lagging behind, saw improvements across the board. Khansahib led with a turnout of 67.70%, while Beerwah recorded an impressive 62.50%, and Chrar-i-Shareif rose to 66%. Kangan (ST) followed closely, reporting 67.60%.

In Ganderbal, voter turnout rose to 53.44%, while Budgam recorded 47.18%, and Chadoora saw a final of 54.16%. However, several constituencies in the division continued to show relatively lower turnout. Habba Kadal only reached 15.80%, while Channapora rose to 26.95%. Zadibal reported a turnout of 28.36%, and Khanyar increased slightly to 24%.

Central Shalteng saw a modest rise to 29.09%, and Lal Chowk recorded 30.44%. Meanwhile, Hazratbal witnessed a voter turnout of 30.24%, and Eidgah has so far witnessed the turnout of 34.65%.