Jammu and Kashmir polls 2024 in its Second Phase
Omar Abdullah Among Key Candidates in Jammu and Kashmir’s Second Phase of Assembly Polls
The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls is happening today. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is among the key candidates. A total of 239 candidates are vying for seats in 26 constituencies across six districts. Voters are heading to the polls under tight security.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leads with 26 candidates in this round. They are followed by the National Conference with 20, BJP with 17, and Congress with six. Additionally, 170 independent and smaller party candidates are in the race.
Key Candidates and High Stakes
Omar Abdullah is running from both Budgam and Ganderbal. Other prominent figures include BJP’s Ravinder Raina from Nowshera and Congress’s Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng. Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari is competing in Channapora. Former ministers like Ali Mohammad Sagar and Abdul Rahim Rather are also in the fray.
In this phase, over 15,500 displaced Kashmiri Pandit voters will cast their ballots at special polling stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. Observers from 16 foreign missions, including the US, Russia, and the EU, are closely watching the voting process.
Security and Voter Participation
More than 3,500 polling stations have been established across the 26 constituencies. A workforce of 13,000 staffers is managing the election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged voters to cast their ballots, stressing the importance of a government committed to democracy and development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also encouraged voters, especially first-timers, to take part actively. The first phase, conducted on September 18, recorded a voter turnout of 60.21%, the highest in the last seven elections. Expectations for today’s turnout are equally high.
Looking Ahead
The third and final phase of voting will occur on October 1, with results scheduled for October 8. As high-profile candidates battle for seats, the entire nation is keeping a close watch on these crucial elections. For more political updates- Stay tuned with thenewsbuzz!
