61% Voter Turnout In First Phase Of Jammu Kashmir Elections ; CEO Says Polling Peaceful

As voting for in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections nears the finishing line, the polling staff at the polling stations braced to wind up the duties and seal the EVMs and transport them to the strong rooms for counting.

At one such polling booth in Pulwama in south Kashmir, the polling staff sealed the EVMs as polling came to conclusion at the polling station.

Pulwama is one of the seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir which went to the polls in the first phase on Wednesday to elect MLAs for 24 seats. The second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively while counting will be held on October 8.

As voting for in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections nears the finishing line, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, and the party's candidate for Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency, took to micro-blogging site X to reflect on her election campaigning with a famous two-liner by the great poet Allama Iqbal. Srigufwara-Bijbehara, the traditional PDP bastion is one of the 24 seats which went to the polls on Wednesday in the first phase of the much awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Tu Shaheen hai parvaaz hai kaam tera Teray saamne aasmaan aur bhi hain(You are the hawk and destined to fly higher, you have infinite skies to conquer),” Iltija wrote in the post.

The PDP debutant faces the two-pronged challenge to revive the beleaguered PDP in the aftermath of Article 370 abrogation and retaining the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat in this election.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of polling in J&K Assembly elections, Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda Range DIG Shridhar Patil said that polling was going on peacefully in all the places.

“Voters have turned out in large numbers... Adequate security has been deployed in vulnerable and sensitive areas. In addition to state police, we have adequate deployment of CAPF as well. Outer areas have been dominated by the Army. All security forces are working in synergy... People have given a response to terrorists and all acts of terror that have occurred in the recent past by casting their vote...," Patil said.

Earlier, Chief Electoral Officer J&K, PK Pole also said that voting was going on peacefully and incident-free in the UT.

As the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approaches towards the last leg, voting percentage has touched 58 percent.

According to the latest update by the ECI, the 24 constituencies going to the polls in the first phase recorded a cumulative voter turnout of 58.19% at 5 PM.

Here is the voter turnout recorded for the respective constituencies on 5 PM.

1. Anantnag - 41.58 %

2. Anantnag (West) - 45.93 %

3. Banihal - 68 %

4. Bhaderwah - 65.27 %

5. DH Pora - 65.21 %

6. Devsar - 54.73%

7. Doda - 70.21 %

8. Doda (West) - 74.14 %

9. Dooru - 57.90 %

10. Inderwal - 80.06 %

11. Kishtwar - 75.04 %

12. Kokernag (ST) - 58 %

13. Kulgam - 59.58 %

14. Padder-Nagseni - 76.80%

15. Pahalgam - 67.86%

16. Pampore - 42.67%

17. Pulwama - 46.22%

18. Rajpora - 45.78%

19. Ramban - 67.34%

20. Shangus - Anantnag (East) - 52.94 %

21. Shopian - 54.72%

22. Srigufwara-Bijbehara - 56.02 %

23. Tral - 40.58 %

24. Zainapora - 52.64 %

As voting for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections progresses towards the last leg, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir said that people have decided to peacefully cast their votes as there was "no democracy" in the UT.

"It is important that people choose their representatives. Even though it will be a toothless government in UT," Mir said after casting his vote on the Dooru assembly constituency where he is also in the fray.

As voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections progresses towards the last leg, former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba arrived at a polling station in Bijbehara to cast her vote.

Mehbooba was acccompanied by her security guards, who flanked her to the polling station where she cast her vote.

While Mehbooba is not in the fray in the assembly elections, she has fielded her daughter Iltija Mufti from the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat.

The voter turnout in Phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has seen a steady increase since polling began at 7 am with the voter turnout crossing 50 percent at 3 PM, the ECI said.

According to the ECI's latest update, 50.65 percent voting was recorded as on 3 PM. Here is the assembly segment-wise voting percentage recorded till 3 PM.

1. Anantnag - 34.71 %

2. Anantnag (West) - 39.51 %

3. Banihal - 59 %

4. Bhaderwah - 58.32 %

5. DH Pora - 55.14 %

6. Devsar - 46.34%

7. Doda - 62.13 %

8. Doda (West) - 66.75 %

9. Dooru - 50.50 %

10. Inderwal - 72.20 %

11. Kishtwar - 67.58 %

12. Kokernag (ST) - 50 %

13. Kulgam - 50.75 %

14. Padder-Nagseni - 71.08%

15. Pahalgam - 58.89%

16. Pampore - 35.70%

17. Pulwama - 40.20%

18. Rajpora - 38.63%

19. Ramban - 61.38%

20. Shangus - Anantnag (East) - 45.34 %

21. Shopian - 48.40%

22. Srigufwara-Bijbehara -48.30 %

23. Tral - 32.87 %

24. Zainapora - 45.40 %

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Congress leader Avinash Pande claimed that the party will form the government in the union territory with full majority.

"People are having their eyes on not only Jammu and Kashmir elections, but on all the places where elections are happening. After the political change in the country, these Assembly elections have been happening. J&K, which has been an important state, elections are happening for the first time after abrogation of Article 370. The way Rahul Gandhi after the Bharat Jodo Yatra, created a change in the atmosphere, hence with a lot of hope I can say that people will answer to the mocking of the Constitution. Congress will form the government there with a big majority," Pande said.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Iltija Mufti, PDP candidate for Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency and daughter of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said that the assembly polls will provide a sigh of relief to the locals she said were “hopeless” due to absence of an elected government.

"People here were hopeless because elections were not been held in the last 10 years, and corruption and red tapism have also increased. However, issues of people will soon be raised in the Assembly and they will be resolved," Iltija said while talking to the media in Anantnag.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, CPI leader D Raja said that there was “strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government”.

“Jammu and Kashmir have gone for polls after a decade and the first phase of polling is underway... There is a strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government... PM Modi and his government's policies have proven to be a disaster for J&K and people are angry about how the statehood was snatched away and split into Union Territories...," Raja said.

Amid the ongoing voting for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, voting was halted briefly at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla locality in Kishtwar district following a protest over the identification of voters.

Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said that there was "some confusion among people here, there was a crowd here and it has been resolved".

"There was some issue regarding identification, one person did not have an identity card. The situation is normal, voting has resumed," Shavan said.

The voter turnout in Phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has seen a steady increase since polling began at 7 am. As of 1 pm, the overall voting percentage reached 41.17%, a significant rise from the earlier updates at 9 am (11.11%) and 11 am (26.72%). Inderwal constituency continued to lead in turnout with 60.01%, while Tral recorded the lowest participation with just 26.75%.

Polling in Anantnag constituency, which had started with a turnout of 6% at 9 am, improved steadily to 16.90% by 11 am and 27.40% by 1 pm. Similarly, Anantnag (West) saw an increase from 8.55% at 9 am to 21.26% at 11 am, eventually reaching 32.07% by early afternoon.

Banihal, which recorded 11% voter turnout at 9 am, saw a significant rise to 30% by 11 am, hitting 49% by 1 pm. Bhaderwah's turnout mirrored this trend, increasing from 12.52% to 30.38% by 11 am and reaching 48.37% at 1 pm.

In DH Pora, the voting percentage climbed from 11.10% in the morning to 27.74% by 11 am and further to 43.66% by 1 pm. Devsar started with 10.25%, then jumped to 24.32% and settled at 36.78% in the afternoon. In Dooru constituency, voter turnout steadily increased throughout the day, starting at 10.42% at 9 am and rising to 26.97% by 11 am. By 1 pm, the turnout had further climbed to 41.30%.

Doda constituency saw a steady increase from 12.80% to 31.96% by 11 am, with 50.34% turnout by 1 pm. Neighboring Doda (West) also showed a rise from 13.56% in the morning to 35.08% by mid-day, closing with 54.80% turnout by 1 pm.

The highest turnout overall was in Inderwal, which progressed from 16.01% at 9 am to 40.36% by 11 am and soared to 60.01% by 1 pm. On the other hand, Kishtwar followed suit, growing from 15.02% to 54.36% by early afternoon.

Kokernag (ST) climbed from 12% to 41% by 1 pm, while Kulgam saw an increase from 10.98% to 39.75%. Padder-Nagseni surged from 12.62% to 56.48%. Pahalgam, which started at 12.56%, eventually recorded a turnout of 47.68% by early afternoon.

Pampore witnessed a lower turnout compared to other constituencies, starting with 8.81% and ending at 28.88%. Pulwama, which recorded 10.50% at 9 am, rose to 32.55% by 1 pm. Rajpora similarly grew from 9.97% to 31.04%.

In Ramban, the voter turnout surged from 13.08% to 50.56% by early afternoon. Shangus (Anantnag East) saw an increase from 10.28% to 36.73% by 1 pm, while Shopian improved from 13% to 40.45%.

Srigufwara-Bijbehara followed a similar trend, increasing from 11.60% at 9 am to 39.20% by early afternoon. Meanwhile, Zainapora, which started with a 10% turnout, climbed to 37.11% by 1 pm. The lowest turnout so far is in Tral, where participation grew from 7.33% to 17.50% by 11 am, but only reached 26.75% by 1 pm.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole on Wednesday said polling is proceeding peacefully in the first phase of the assembly elections and is incident-free.

He also expressed confidence that turnout will exceed 60 per cent.

"Polling is being conducted on a large scale. The way polling is progressing indicates a high turnout. We anticipate over 60 per cent polling. So far, the polling has been peaceful and incident-free," Pole told PTI.

As voting continues in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections 2024, Gulshan Ara, mother of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti cast her vote at a polling station in Anantnag.

Talking to the media outside the polling station, Ara said, "I would want... whoever becomes the CM... the situation should improve”.

As voting goes on for the first phase of the much awaited Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, BJP candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly Constituency of Kishtwar district, Sunil Sharma said that people voting in large numbers was “good news for the BJP”.

"I want to congratulate the voters, the way people are coming out of their homes and exercising their franchise, all this shows that people have a lot of faith in democracy and the way people are voting in large numbers is good news for the Bharatiya Janata Party. You must have seen that whenever the percentage was low here, Congress or National Conference or PDP used to win. Because they got protection from terrorists... Today people are participating in the elections with an open heart and the elections are directly a support and dedication towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi...," Sharma said.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the Congress-NC coalition if voted to power will bring the union territory “out of the injustice era and will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again”.

“My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is being held in the state.

For the first time in the history of the country, a state's statehood has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of all your constitutional rights, an insult to Jammu and Kashmir.

Your every vote for INDIA

- will return your rights

- will bring employment

- will make women strong

- will bring you out of the 'era of injustice'

- will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again.

Today, come out of your homes in the largest numbers possible and exercise your democratic right - vote for INDIA,” Rahul wrote in a post on X.

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from Damhal Hanjipora Assembly constituency in Kulgam district Sakina Itoo cast her vote at a polling station here on Wednesday. Speaking to the media after casting her vote, Sakina said, "...We are getting very good response and the public is coming out to cast their vote in large numbers...I am hopeful that the voters will elect me..."

Over 26 percent votes were cast till 11 AM in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India said.

As per the ECI data, a cumulative turnout of 26.72 percent was recorded till 11 AM for the 24 constituencies going to polls across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Anantnag has reported the lowest turnout with just 16.90% while Inderwal seat in Doda district has recorded the highest voting at 40.36 percent till 11 AM as per the ECI figures.

In the constituency of Anantnag, the turnout rose from 6% to 16.90%. Anantnag (West) saw a notable increase from 8.55% to 21.26%. Banihal experienced a significant jump from 11% to 30%, while Bhaderwah's turnout climbed from 12.52% to 30.38%. DH Pora improved from 11.10% to 27.74%, and Devsar saw a rise from 10.25% to 24.32%.

Doda's voter turnout increased from 12.80% to 31.96%, and Doda (West) saw a remarkable jump from 13.56% to 35.08%. Dooru's participation grew from 10.42% to 26.97%. Inderwal recorded the highest turnout, climbing from 16.01% to 40.36%.

Kishtwar saw an increase from 15.02% to 26.38%, and Kokernag (ST) rose from 12% to 29%. Kulgam improved from 10.98% to 26%, while Padder-Nagseni's turnout grew from 12.62% to 32.15%. Pahalgam experienced a rise from 12.56% to 31.62%.

Pampore's turnout increased from 8.81% to 19.60%, and Pulwama saw a rise from 10.50% to 23.09%. Rajpora's participation grew from 9.97% to 21.17%. Ramban's voter turnout climbed from 13.08% to 32.85%, and Shangus (Anantnag East) rose from 10.28% to 25.09%.

Shopian saw an increase from 13% to 27%, and Srigufwara-Bijbehara's turnout grew from 11.60% to 27.60%. Tral, despite a minimal rise from 7.33% to 17.50%, recorded the lowest turnout. Zainapora improved from 10% to 25%.

BJP candidate for Kishtwar assembly segment of Jammu and Kashmir, Shagun Parihar cast her vote in the first phase of assembly elections on Wednesday.

Parihar was seen showing her inked finger to the mediapersons outside the polling station after casting her vote. Parihar is contesting against NC's Sajad Kitchloo as her nearest rival candidate.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party has alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the National Conference workers the party said were “influencing voters” outside a polling booth in south Kashmir's Pulwama.

“NC workers stationed outside polling booths in Sirnoo Pulwama with voter lists, influencing voters, right outside the polling booth, which is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC),” PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan wrote in a post on X. Bhan asked District Election Officer Pulwama to take action over the matter.

Iltija Mufti, PDP's candidate from Srigufwara-Bijbehara and daughter of party president Mehbooba Mufti also shared the post.

Iltija and Waheed Para, the PDP candidate from Pulwama are in fray in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

Waheed Para, People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from south Kashmir's Pulwama constituency expressed hope that the assembly elections will “pave the way for restoring democratic institutions in embattled Jammu and Kashmir”. Talking to reporters after casting his vote, Para, who unsuccessfully contested LoK Sabha polls from the Srinagar constituency earlier this year, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have “wisely responded to the situation by coming in large numbers to exercise their right to franchise”.

"The Kashmiris have a lot of concerns. Their political future is uncertain and fierce. There are no jobs, drug abuse is menacing and constitutional rights have been taken away," he said.

"I appreciate the people for their resilience and restraint. They came out in large numbers to cast their votes in the backdrop of the deprivations and snatching of their rights," Para said. "We want our fundamental rights restored. The people secured their lives by exercising restraint during all these years," Para added.

Over 10 percent votes were cast till 9 AM on Wednesday in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the Election Commission of India said.

As per the ECI data, a cumulative turnout of 11.11 was recorded till 9 AM for the 24 constituencies going to polls across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Anantnag has reported the lowest turnout with just 6%. This is followed by Anantnag (West), which has seen an 8.55% voter engagement. In contrast, Inderwal is leading with the highest turnout at 16.01%. Kishtwar also reported a high turnout of 15.02%, closely trailing Inderwal. Other constituencies have shown varied levels of voter participation. Banihal has recorded an 11% turnout, while Bhaderwah and DH Pora have reported turnouts of 12.52% and 11.10%, respectively. Devsar has seen a turnout of 10.25%, and Doda has reported a 12.80% voter engagement. Doda (West) has the second-highest turnout so far with 13.56%.

Constituencies such as Dooru and Kulgam have reported turnouts of 10.42% and 10.98%, respectively. Padder-Nagseni and Pahalgam have seen 12.62% and 12.56% of voters participating. Pampore has a lower turnout of 8.81%, while Pulwama and Rajpora have reported 10.50% and 9.97%, respectively. Ramban has also shown a strong turnout with 13.08%, Kokernag has registered a turnout of 12% and Shopian has recorded 13%.

Srigufwara-Bijbehara has seen a turnout of 11.60%, Shangus - Anantnag (East) has witnessed 10.28% voter participation, Tral has recorded 7.33%, and Zainapora has seen a 10% voter turnout.

As the much awaited assembly elections began in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged people to vote in record numbers,

"J&K Assembly elections commence today. I call upon all the voters whose assembly constituencies are voting in the first phase today to turn out in record numbers & exercise their democratic rights. I especially urge youth, women and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," LG Sinha wrote in a post on X.

Abdus Samad Mir, an 80-year-old voter, cast his vote at the Amirabad polling station in Tral today. Speaking to ETV Bharat, Mir expressed his hopes for development and a return to peace in the region. He urged the youth to participate actively in the elections and expressed optimism that voting would help address the numerous problems faced by the community.-

As voting for the first phase of the much-awaited Jammu and Kashmir assembly election got underway on Wednesday after a decade under the Union Territory set-up in the backdrop of Article 370 abrogation, voters flocked to the polling booths early morning to cast their vote.

Harbakhsh Singh Sasan, an independent candidate supported by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of Abdul Rasheed Sheikh alias Engineer Rasheed cast his vote in the Tral assembly constituency. After casting his vote at the polling station, Singh posed for the mediapersons with his inked finger.

As Jammu and Kashmir goes to assembly polls after a decade under the Union Territory set-up in the backdrop of Article 370 abrogation, cadres of the banned socio-religious organisation Jamaat-e-Islami flocked the polling booths to exercise their franchise with many leaders in the fray in the first phase of the elections.

Dr Talat Majid, an independent candidate backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), cast his vote in Goripora village in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday morning.

Talking to ETV Bharat, Dr Majid, who is contesting from the Pulwama assembly segment said that the JeI was participating in the polls after a gap of nearly 40 years “to provide an alternative to the people of Jammu and Kashmir” and rid them of the opportunistic politics of the regional parties.

Shagun Parihar, the BJP candidate for the Kishtwar assembly constituency, offered prayers before casting her vote in the ongoing Assembly polls. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo is representing JKNC, while Firdoos Ahmed Tak is the candidate from the PDP from the same constituency.

Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate for the Kishtwar assembly constituency, cast his vote on Wednesday at polling station No 92 at Town Hall, Kishtwar. The BJP has nominated Shagun Parihar, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has put forward Fordoos Ashmed Tak for the same constituency.

With the polling for the first phase of Assembly elections underway in Jammu And Kashmir, a voter after casting his vote said, "Today, elections are being held after 10 years. We want unemployment and inflation to end, keeping this in mind, we have voted. We want people to vote in large numbers."

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, JKPDP leader Najmu Saqib said: "It’s a very good day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the sense that what was snatched from us. From 2019, there was a very dark chapter of democracy."

As the first phase of voting is underway in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, Shagun Parihar, the BJP candidate from the Kishtwar constituency said, "Security is the biggest issue here because I don't want what happened with me, to happen with anyone else. I want every daughter here to have her father's blessings"

With the polling for the first phase of Assembly elections underway in Jammu And Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed to voters " to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region." In a post on X, he said, " Only a government with strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there and speed up development work. Today, my appeal to the voters going to vote in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region. First vote, then refreshment."

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, JKNC candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly constituency Pooja Thakur said: “People of Jammu and Kashmir had to wait for long for Assembly elections. We are thankful to the Supreme Court of India and the Election Commission of India. People will now get the opportunity to vote for the government they want to come into power,”.

Voters were seen queuing up in large numbers in a polling Pulwama awaiting their turn to cast a vote. Voters of 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu And Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are expressing their mandate in the first phase of elections on Wednesday.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Wednesday urged voters to express their franchise in large numbers. In a post on X he said," As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise."

Polling for 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu & Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu), begins. In the first phase of three-phase elections, 24 assembly constituencies are going to polls today. The 24 constituencies include four in Pulwama, two in Shopian, three in Kulgam, seven in Anantnag, three in Kishtwar, three in Doda, and Ramban and Banihal seats.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina says, " Best wishes from my side. Every youth and senior of Jammu And Kashmir should go and vote for the (political) party they support". 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu And Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

With the first phase of the elections to the Jammu And Kashmir Assembly set to begin on Wednesday, people are seen lining up to cast their votes. 24 Assembly constituencies across the J&K (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase, scheduled for today. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, a pink polling booth, manned fully by women, has been set up in Kishtwar district. Seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, located on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, will vote for the first time in an assembly election in 10 years as the stage is set for phase 1 polling in the union territory today.

Prominent candidates contesting in the first phase in Kashmir include CPI (M)'s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, National Conference's Sakina Itoo, and PDP's Sartaj Madni and Abdul Rehman Veeri. PDP's Iltija Mufti, running from Bijbehara, is in a triangular contest with NC's Bashir Ahmad Veeri and BJP's Sofi Mohammad Yousuf. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami is seeking a fifth consecutive term from the Kulgam segment. AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir is hoping for a third term from Dooru, while National Conference's Sakina Itoo is seeking another term from Damhal Hajipora. PDP's Sartaj Madni (Devsar) and Abdul Rehman Veeri (Shangus-Anantnag) are also key candidates to watch out for.

However, all eyes will be on Srigufwara-Bijbehara and Pulwama assembly segments where PDP's Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para are contesting polls, respectively. Iltija Mufti, the third generation politician from her family to run for office from Bijbehara, is in a triangular contest with NC's Bashir Ahmad Veeri and BJP's Sofi Mohammad Yousuf.

Security has been beefed up across Jammu And Kashmir as the first phase of voting will take place on Wednesday. "Jammu and Kashmir police have made elaborate security arrangements for the assembly polls so that a maximum number of people can exercise their right to vote," said Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V K Birdi. The security arrangements include multi-tier forces from the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police and J-K Police, Birdi added.

24 Assembly constituencies across the J&K (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase, scheduled for today. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

As voting for in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections nears the finishing line, the polling staff at the polling stations braced to wind up the duties and seal the EVMs and transport them to the strong rooms for counting.

At one such polling booth in Pulwama in south Kashmir, the polling staff sealed the EVMs as polling came to conclusion at the polling station.

Pulwama is one of the seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir which went to the polls in the first phase on Wednesday to elect MLAs for 24 seats. The second and third phases will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively while counting will be held on October 8.

As voting for in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections nears the finishing line, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, and the party's candidate for Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency, took to micro-blogging site X to reflect on her election campaigning with a famous two-liner by the great poet Allama Iqbal. Srigufwara-Bijbehara, the traditional PDP bastion is one of the 24 seats which went to the polls on Wednesday in the first phase of the much awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Tu Shaheen hai parvaaz hai kaam tera Teray saamne aasmaan aur bhi hain(You are the hawk and destined to fly higher, you have infinite skies to conquer),” Iltija wrote in the post.

The PDP debutant faces the two-pronged challenge to revive the beleaguered PDP in the aftermath of Article 370 abrogation and retaining the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat in this election.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of polling in J&K Assembly elections, Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda Range DIG Shridhar Patil said that polling was going on peacefully in all the places.

“Voters have turned out in large numbers... Adequate security has been deployed in vulnerable and sensitive areas. In addition to state police, we have adequate deployment of CAPF as well. Outer areas have been dominated by the Army. All security forces are working in synergy... People have given a response to terrorists and all acts of terror that have occurred in the recent past by casting their vote...," Patil said.

Earlier, Chief Electoral Officer J&K, PK Pole also said that voting was going on peacefully and incident-free in the UT.

As the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approaches towards the last leg, voting percentage has touched 58 percent.

According to the latest update by the ECI, the 24 constituencies going to the polls in the first phase recorded a cumulative voter turnout of 58.19% at 5 PM.

Here is the voter turnout recorded for the respective constituencies on 5 PM.

1. Anantnag - 41.58 %

2. Anantnag (West) - 45.93 %

3. Banihal - 68 %

4. Bhaderwah - 65.27 %

5. DH Pora - 65.21 %

6. Devsar - 54.73%

7. Doda - 70.21 %

8. Doda (West) - 74.14 %

9. Dooru - 57.90 %

10. Inderwal - 80.06 %

11. Kishtwar - 75.04 %

12. Kokernag (ST) - 58 %

13. Kulgam - 59.58 %

14. Padder-Nagseni - 76.80%

15. Pahalgam - 67.86%

16. Pampore - 42.67%

17. Pulwama - 46.22%

18. Rajpora - 45.78%

19. Ramban - 67.34%

20. Shangus - Anantnag (East) - 52.94 %

21. Shopian - 54.72%

22. Srigufwara-Bijbehara - 56.02 %

23. Tral - 40.58 %

24. Zainapora - 52.64 %

As voting for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections progresses towards the last leg, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir said that people have decided to peacefully cast their votes as there was "no democracy" in the UT.

"It is important that people choose their representatives. Even though it will be a toothless government in UT," Mir said after casting his vote on the Dooru assembly constituency where he is also in the fray.

As voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections progresses towards the last leg, former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba arrived at a polling station in Bijbehara to cast her vote.

Mehbooba was acccompanied by her security guards, who flanked her to the polling station where she cast her vote.

While Mehbooba is not in the fray in the assembly elections, she has fielded her daughter Iltija Mufti from the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat.

The voter turnout in Phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has seen a steady increase since polling began at 7 am with the voter turnout crossing 50 percent at 3 PM, the ECI said.

According to the ECI's latest update, 50.65 percent voting was recorded as on 3 PM. Here is the assembly segment-wise voting percentage recorded till 3 PM.

1. Anantnag - 34.71 %

2. Anantnag (West) - 39.51 %

3. Banihal - 59 %

4. Bhaderwah - 58.32 %

5. DH Pora - 55.14 %

6. Devsar - 46.34%

7. Doda - 62.13 %

8. Doda (West) - 66.75 %

9. Dooru - 50.50 %

10. Inderwal - 72.20 %

11. Kishtwar - 67.58 %

12. Kokernag (ST) - 50 %

13. Kulgam - 50.75 %

14. Padder-Nagseni - 71.08%

15. Pahalgam - 58.89%

16. Pampore - 35.70%

17. Pulwama - 40.20%

18. Rajpora - 38.63%

19. Ramban - 61.38%

20. Shangus - Anantnag (East) - 45.34 %

21. Shopian - 48.40%

22. Srigufwara-Bijbehara -48.30 %

23. Tral - 32.87 %

24. Zainapora - 45.40 %

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Congress leader Avinash Pande claimed that the party will form the government in the union territory with full majority.

"People are having their eyes on not only Jammu and Kashmir elections, but on all the places where elections are happening. After the political change in the country, these Assembly elections have been happening. J&K, which has been an important state, elections are happening for the first time after abrogation of Article 370. The way Rahul Gandhi after the Bharat Jodo Yatra, created a change in the atmosphere, hence with a lot of hope I can say that people will answer to the mocking of the Constitution. Congress will form the government there with a big majority," Pande said.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Iltija Mufti, PDP candidate for Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency and daughter of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said that the assembly polls will provide a sigh of relief to the locals she said were “hopeless” due to absence of an elected government.

"People here were hopeless because elections were not been held in the last 10 years, and corruption and red tapism have also increased. However, issues of people will soon be raised in the Assembly and they will be resolved," Iltija said while talking to the media in Anantnag.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, CPI leader D Raja said that there was “strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government”.

“Jammu and Kashmir have gone for polls after a decade and the first phase of polling is underway... There is a strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government... PM Modi and his government's policies have proven to be a disaster for J&K and people are angry about how the statehood was snatched away and split into Union Territories...," Raja said.

Amid the ongoing voting for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, voting was halted briefly at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla locality in Kishtwar district following a protest over the identification of voters.

Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said that there was "some confusion among people here, there was a crowd here and it has been resolved".

"There was some issue regarding identification, one person did not have an identity card. The situation is normal, voting has resumed," Shavan said.

The voter turnout in Phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has seen a steady increase since polling began at 7 am. As of 1 pm, the overall voting percentage reached 41.17%, a significant rise from the earlier updates at 9 am (11.11%) and 11 am (26.72%). Inderwal constituency continued to lead in turnout with 60.01%, while Tral recorded the lowest participation with just 26.75%.

Polling in Anantnag constituency, which had started with a turnout of 6% at 9 am, improved steadily to 16.90% by 11 am and 27.40% by 1 pm. Similarly, Anantnag (West) saw an increase from 8.55% at 9 am to 21.26% at 11 am, eventually reaching 32.07% by early afternoon.

Banihal, which recorded 11% voter turnout at 9 am, saw a significant rise to 30% by 11 am, hitting 49% by 1 pm. Bhaderwah's turnout mirrored this trend, increasing from 12.52% to 30.38% by 11 am and reaching 48.37% at 1 pm.

In DH Pora, the voting percentage climbed from 11.10% in the morning to 27.74% by 11 am and further to 43.66% by 1 pm. Devsar started with 10.25%, then jumped to 24.32% and settled at 36.78% in the afternoon. In Dooru constituency, voter turnout steadily increased throughout the day, starting at 10.42% at 9 am and rising to 26.97% by 11 am. By 1 pm, the turnout had further climbed to 41.30%.

Doda constituency saw a steady increase from 12.80% to 31.96% by 11 am, with 50.34% turnout by 1 pm. Neighboring Doda (West) also showed a rise from 13.56% in the morning to 35.08% by mid-day, closing with 54.80% turnout by 1 pm.

The highest turnout overall was in Inderwal, which progressed from 16.01% at 9 am to 40.36% by 11 am and soared to 60.01% by 1 pm. On the other hand, Kishtwar followed suit, growing from 15.02% to 54.36% by early afternoon.

Kokernag (ST) climbed from 12% to 41% by 1 pm, while Kulgam saw an increase from 10.98% to 39.75%. Padder-Nagseni surged from 12.62% to 56.48%. Pahalgam, which started at 12.56%, eventually recorded a turnout of 47.68% by early afternoon.

Pampore witnessed a lower turnout compared to other constituencies, starting with 8.81% and ending at 28.88%. Pulwama, which recorded 10.50% at 9 am, rose to 32.55% by 1 pm. Rajpora similarly grew from 9.97% to 31.04%.

In Ramban, the voter turnout surged from 13.08% to 50.56% by early afternoon. Shangus (Anantnag East) saw an increase from 10.28% to 36.73% by 1 pm, while Shopian improved from 13% to 40.45%.

Srigufwara-Bijbehara followed a similar trend, increasing from 11.60% at 9 am to 39.20% by early afternoon. Meanwhile, Zainapora, which started with a 10% turnout, climbed to 37.11% by 1 pm. The lowest turnout so far is in Tral, where participation grew from 7.33% to 17.50% by 11 am, but only reached 26.75% by 1 pm.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole on Wednesday said polling is proceeding peacefully in the first phase of the assembly elections and is incident-free.

He also expressed confidence that turnout will exceed 60 per cent.

"Polling is being conducted on a large scale. The way polling is progressing indicates a high turnout. We anticipate over 60 per cent polling. So far, the polling has been peaceful and incident-free," Pole told PTI.

As voting continues in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections 2024, Gulshan Ara, mother of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti cast her vote at a polling station in Anantnag.

Talking to the media outside the polling station, Ara said, "I would want... whoever becomes the CM... the situation should improve”.

As voting goes on for the first phase of the much awaited Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, BJP candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly Constituency of Kishtwar district, Sunil Sharma said that people voting in large numbers was “good news for the BJP”.

"I want to congratulate the voters, the way people are coming out of their homes and exercising their franchise, all this shows that people have a lot of faith in democracy and the way people are voting in large numbers is good news for the Bharatiya Janata Party. You must have seen that whenever the percentage was low here, Congress or National Conference or PDP used to win. Because they got protection from terrorists... Today people are participating in the elections with an open heart and the elections are directly a support and dedication towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi...," Sharma said.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the Congress-NC coalition if voted to power will bring the union territory “out of the injustice era and will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again”.

“My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is being held in the state.

For the first time in the history of the country, a state's statehood has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of all your constitutional rights, an insult to Jammu and Kashmir.

Your every vote for INDIA

- will return your rights

- will bring employment

- will make women strong

- will bring you out of the 'era of injustice'

- will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again.

Today, come out of your homes in the largest numbers possible and exercise your democratic right - vote for INDIA,” Rahul wrote in a post on X.

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from Damhal Hanjipora Assembly constituency in Kulgam district Sakina Itoo cast her vote at a polling station here on Wednesday. Speaking to the media after casting her vote, Sakina said, "...We are getting very good response and the public is coming out to cast their vote in large numbers...I am hopeful that the voters will elect me..."

Over 26 percent votes were cast till 11 AM in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India said.

As per the ECI data, a cumulative turnout of 26.72 percent was recorded till 11 AM for the 24 constituencies going to polls across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Anantnag has reported the lowest turnout with just 16.90% while Inderwal seat in Doda district has recorded the highest voting at 40.36 percent till 11 AM as per the ECI figures.

In the constituency of Anantnag, the turnout rose from 6% to 16.90%. Anantnag (West) saw a notable increase from 8.55% to 21.26%. Banihal experienced a significant jump from 11% to 30%, while Bhaderwah's turnout climbed from 12.52% to 30.38%. DH Pora improved from 11.10% to 27.74%, and Devsar saw a rise from 10.25% to 24.32%.

Doda's voter turnout increased from 12.80% to 31.96%, and Doda (West) saw a remarkable jump from 13.56% to 35.08%. Dooru's participation grew from 10.42% to 26.97%. Inderwal recorded the highest turnout, climbing from 16.01% to 40.36%.

Kishtwar saw an increase from 15.02% to 26.38%, and Kokernag (ST) rose from 12% to 29%. Kulgam improved from 10.98% to 26%, while Padder-Nagseni's turnout grew from 12.62% to 32.15%. Pahalgam experienced a rise from 12.56% to 31.62%.

Pampore's turnout increased from 8.81% to 19.60%, and Pulwama saw a rise from 10.50% to 23.09%. Rajpora's participation grew from 9.97% to 21.17%. Ramban's voter turnout climbed from 13.08% to 32.85%, and Shangus (Anantnag East) rose from 10.28% to 25.09%.

Shopian saw an increase from 13% to 27%, and Srigufwara-Bijbehara's turnout grew from 11.60% to 27.60%. Tral, despite a minimal rise from 7.33% to 17.50%, recorded the lowest turnout. Zainapora improved from 10% to 25%.

BJP candidate for Kishtwar assembly segment of Jammu and Kashmir, Shagun Parihar cast her vote in the first phase of assembly elections on Wednesday.

Parihar was seen showing her inked finger to the mediapersons outside the polling station after casting her vote. Parihar is contesting against NC's Sajad Kitchloo as her nearest rival candidate.

Amid the ongoing voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party has alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the National Conference workers the party said were “influencing voters” outside a polling booth in south Kashmir's Pulwama.

“NC workers stationed outside polling booths in Sirnoo Pulwama with voter lists, influencing voters, right outside the polling booth, which is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC),” PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan wrote in a post on X. Bhan asked District Election Officer Pulwama to take action over the matter.

Iltija Mufti, PDP's candidate from Srigufwara-Bijbehara and daughter of party president Mehbooba Mufti also shared the post.

Iltija and Waheed Para, the PDP candidate from Pulwama are in fray in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

Waheed Para, People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from south Kashmir's Pulwama constituency expressed hope that the assembly elections will “pave the way for restoring democratic institutions in embattled Jammu and Kashmir”. Talking to reporters after casting his vote, Para, who unsuccessfully contested LoK Sabha polls from the Srinagar constituency earlier this year, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have “wisely responded to the situation by coming in large numbers to exercise their right to franchise”.

"The Kashmiris have a lot of concerns. Their political future is uncertain and fierce. There are no jobs, drug abuse is menacing and constitutional rights have been taken away," he said.

"I appreciate the people for their resilience and restraint. They came out in large numbers to cast their votes in the backdrop of the deprivations and snatching of their rights," Para said. "We want our fundamental rights restored. The people secured their lives by exercising restraint during all these years," Para added.

Over 10 percent votes were cast till 9 AM on Wednesday in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, the Election Commission of India said.

As per the ECI data, a cumulative turnout of 11.11 was recorded till 9 AM for the 24 constituencies going to polls across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Anantnag has reported the lowest turnout with just 6%. This is followed by Anantnag (West), which has seen an 8.55% voter engagement. In contrast, Inderwal is leading with the highest turnout at 16.01%. Kishtwar also reported a high turnout of 15.02%, closely trailing Inderwal. Other constituencies have shown varied levels of voter participation. Banihal has recorded an 11% turnout, while Bhaderwah and DH Pora have reported turnouts of 12.52% and 11.10%, respectively. Devsar has seen a turnout of 10.25%, and Doda has reported a 12.80% voter engagement. Doda (West) has the second-highest turnout so far with 13.56%.

Constituencies such as Dooru and Kulgam have reported turnouts of 10.42% and 10.98%, respectively. Padder-Nagseni and Pahalgam have seen 12.62% and 12.56% of voters participating. Pampore has a lower turnout of 8.81%, while Pulwama and Rajpora have reported 10.50% and 9.97%, respectively. Ramban has also shown a strong turnout with 13.08%, Kokernag has registered a turnout of 12% and Shopian has recorded 13%.

Srigufwara-Bijbehara has seen a turnout of 11.60%, Shangus - Anantnag (East) has witnessed 10.28% voter participation, Tral has recorded 7.33%, and Zainapora has seen a 10% voter turnout.

As the much awaited assembly elections began in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged people to vote in record numbers,

"J&K Assembly elections commence today. I call upon all the voters whose assembly constituencies are voting in the first phase today to turn out in record numbers & exercise their democratic rights. I especially urge youth, women and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," LG Sinha wrote in a post on X.

Abdus Samad Mir, an 80-year-old voter, cast his vote at the Amirabad polling station in Tral today. Speaking to ETV Bharat, Mir expressed his hopes for development and a return to peace in the region. He urged the youth to participate actively in the elections and expressed optimism that voting would help address the numerous problems faced by the community.-

As voting for the first phase of the much-awaited Jammu and Kashmir assembly election got underway on Wednesday after a decade under the Union Territory set-up in the backdrop of Article 370 abrogation, voters flocked to the polling booths early morning to cast their vote.

Harbakhsh Singh Sasan, an independent candidate supported by the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of Abdul Rasheed Sheikh alias Engineer Rasheed cast his vote in the Tral assembly constituency. After casting his vote at the polling station, Singh posed for the mediapersons with his inked finger.

As Jammu and Kashmir goes to assembly polls after a decade under the Union Territory set-up in the backdrop of Article 370 abrogation, cadres of the banned socio-religious organisation Jamaat-e-Islami flocked the polling booths to exercise their franchise with many leaders in the fray in the first phase of the elections.

Dr Talat Majid, an independent candidate backed by the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), cast his vote in Goripora village in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir early Wednesday morning.

Talking to ETV Bharat, Dr Majid, who is contesting from the Pulwama assembly segment said that the JeI was participating in the polls after a gap of nearly 40 years “to provide an alternative to the people of Jammu and Kashmir” and rid them of the opportunistic politics of the regional parties.

Shagun Parihar, the BJP candidate for the Kishtwar assembly constituency, offered prayers before casting her vote in the ongoing Assembly polls. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo is representing JKNC, while Firdoos Ahmed Tak is the candidate from the PDP from the same constituency.

Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate for the Kishtwar assembly constituency, cast his vote on Wednesday at polling station No 92 at Town Hall, Kishtwar. The BJP has nominated Shagun Parihar, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has put forward Fordoos Ashmed Tak for the same constituency.

With the polling for the first phase of Assembly elections underway in Jammu And Kashmir, a voter after casting his vote said, "Today, elections are being held after 10 years. We want unemployment and inflation to end, keeping this in mind, we have voted. We want people to vote in large numbers."

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, JKPDP leader Najmu Saqib said: "It’s a very good day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the sense that what was snatched from us. From 2019, there was a very dark chapter of democracy."

As the first phase of voting is underway in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, Shagun Parihar, the BJP candidate from the Kishtwar constituency said, "Security is the biggest issue here because I don't want what happened with me, to happen with anyone else. I want every daughter here to have her father's blessings"

With the polling for the first phase of Assembly elections underway in Jammu And Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed to voters " to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region." In a post on X, he said, " Only a government with strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there and speed up development work. Today, my appeal to the voters going to vote in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region. First vote, then refreshment."

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, JKNC candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly constituency Pooja Thakur said: “People of Jammu and Kashmir had to wait for long for Assembly elections. We are thankful to the Supreme Court of India and the Election Commission of India. People will now get the opportunity to vote for the government they want to come into power,”.

Voters were seen queuing up in large numbers in a polling Pulwama awaiting their turn to cast a vote. Voters of 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu And Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are expressing their mandate in the first phase of elections on Wednesday.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Wednesday urged voters to express their franchise in large numbers. In a post on X he said," As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise."

Polling for 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu & Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu), begins. In the first phase of three-phase elections, 24 assembly constituencies are going to polls today. The 24 constituencies include four in Pulwama, two in Shopian, three in Kulgam, seven in Anantnag, three in Kishtwar, three in Doda, and Ramban and Banihal seats.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina says, " Best wishes from my side. Every youth and senior of Jammu And Kashmir should go and vote for the (political) party they support". 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu And Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

With the first phase of the elections to the Jammu And Kashmir Assembly set to begin on Wednesday, people are seen lining up to cast their votes. 24 Assembly constituencies across the J&K (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase, scheduled for today. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

As the first phase of voting will take place in Jammu And Kashmir on Wednesday, a pink polling booth, manned fully by women, has been set up in Kishtwar district. Seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, located on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, will vote for the first time in an assembly election in 10 years as the stage is set for phase 1 polling in the union territory today.

Prominent candidates contesting in the first phase in Kashmir include CPI (M)'s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, National Conference's Sakina Itoo, and PDP's Sartaj Madni and Abdul Rehman Veeri. PDP's Iltija Mufti, running from Bijbehara, is in a triangular contest with NC's Bashir Ahmad Veeri and BJP's Sofi Mohammad Yousuf. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami is seeking a fifth consecutive term from the Kulgam segment. AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir is hoping for a third term from Dooru, while National Conference's Sakina Itoo is seeking another term from Damhal Hajipora. PDP's Sartaj Madni (Devsar) and Abdul Rehman Veeri (Shangus-Anantnag) are also key candidates to watch out for.

However, all eyes will be on Srigufwara-Bijbehara and Pulwama assembly segments where PDP's Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para are contesting polls, respectively. Iltija Mufti, the third generation politician from her family to run for office from Bijbehara, is in a triangular contest with NC's Bashir Ahmad Veeri and BJP's Sofi Mohammad Yousuf.

Security has been beefed up across Jammu And Kashmir as the first phase of voting will take place on Wednesday. "Jammu and Kashmir police have made elaborate security arrangements for the assembly polls so that a maximum number of people can exercise their right to vote," said Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V K Birdi. The security arrangements include multi-tier forces from the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police and J-K Police, Birdi added.

24 Assembly constituencies across the J&K (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu) are going to polls in the first phase, scheduled for today. This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.