A paramilitary personnel maintains vigilance as voters line up to cast their votes during the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in Budgam on September 25, 2024. | Photo Credit: ANI
“There have been no incidents requiring a repoll. There were 3,502 polling stations and every booth recorded a voting percentage above single digits. In Srinagar, the polling percentage surpassed the Lok Sabha figures by more than 5%,” stated J&K Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole.
Also Read: Highlights from the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections
As per the EC’s turnout data up to 7 p.m., Reasi district had the highest voter participation at 74.14%, followed by Poonch (73.78%), Rajouri (69.85%), Budgam (61.31%), Ganderbal (62.63%), while Srinagar lagged at 29.24%. The Srinagar turnout saw a modest increase compared to the approximately 27% recorded in the 2014 Assembly elections.
“These elections mark a historic moment, echoing through time for future generations. The valleys and mountains, once gripped in fear and boycotts, are now joining in this celebration of democracy, or Jashn-e-Jamhuriyat,” remarked Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar in New Delhi.
The districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, located near the Line of Control (LoC) and heavily impacted by militant activities this year, saw substantial queues outside polling stations. “I voted to protect my country’s interests,” stated Nitu Mia, a transgender voter from Reasi. First-time voters Vaishali Sharma and Tavishi expressed their excitement at being eligible to vote.
In the Kashmir valley, long lines were observed outside polling booths in Budgam and Ganderbal; however, voter interest remained muted in many assembly segments of Srinagar. The three generations of the Abdullah family —National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, and their grandchildren — voted in Srinagar. “We are optimistic that after October 8, an NC-Congress alliance will lead the government in J&K,” shared Mr. Omar following his vote.
NC Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who cast his vote in Budgam, noted, “The importance of voting is well understood by the people. It’s crucial for voters to make informed choices. At this moment, unity is our primary defense,” stated Mr. Mehdi.
Tariq Hameed Karra, president of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee and candidate from Central Shaltengh, commented, “There is noticeable anger among the populace about the revocation of Statehood.”
Enthusiastic voters in Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal expressed their concerns regarding rising bills after the installation of smart meters, cuts to the ration quota at distribution points, and the unfulfilled promise of government job vacancies. “The lower-middle class has faced immense pressure under the current government. Faced with rampant unemployment, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration has implemented high-rate flat tariffs for electricity, property tax, and reduced rations per person at depots,” lamented Nazima Ganai, a woman voter from the Eidgah constituency.
Published – September 25, 2024 09:04 pm IST
