The first phase of voting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections kicked off Wednesday morning, with the Election Commission reporting a 26.72% voter turnout as of 11 am.
The seven constituencies participating in this phase showed varying levels of participation. According to the ECI, Kishtwar recorded 56.86% turnout followed by Doda 50.81%, Ramban 49.68%, Kulgam 39.91%, Shopian 38.72%, Anantnag 37.90% and Pulwama 29.84%.
Polling began at 7 am across the Union Territory and is set to conclude at 6 pm. Basharat Qayoom, Pulwama Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer said, “Polling is going on very smoothly in all 4 Assembly constituencies. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the voters.”
BJP candidate from the Shopian Assembly constituency, Javaid Ahmad Qadri on Wednesday said that the PM has played a big role in improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I give the credit to PM Modi who has played a big role in improving the situation in J&K. People in large numbers are coming out to cast their votes…The central government has worked a lot to ensure the development of Shopian…Before the abrogation of Article 370, only some families used to cast their votes but today the common man is coming out to vote in large numbers…” said Qadri.
Security measures are in place, with Pulwama SSP PD Nitya assuring that proper arrangements have been made across the district’s 245 polling stations.
PDP candidate Waheed Para expressed optimism about the elections, viewing them as an opportunity to “reclaim the image of Pulwama.” He urged voters to “vote for peace, progress, development and dignity of J&K.”
This first phase covers 24 assembly constituencies, including 16 in the Kashmir region and 8 in Jammu. The election will continue with second and third phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively. Vote counting is set for October 8.