As polling for the second phase of elections begins in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on voters to turn out in large numbers to help “strengthen democracy.”
“Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I urge all voters to cast their ballots and play a key role in fortifying democracy,” PM Modi said.
Polling started at 7 a.m. across 3,502 polling stations in 26 Assembly constituencies spread over six districts: Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu Division.
With Jammu and Kashmir holding elections after a decade, PM Modi also extended congratulations to first-time voters. On his social media handle on X, he said, “On this occasion, I congratulate all young friends voting for the first time!”
Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda also encouraged voters to participate, emphasizing that their involvement would create a “golden future” for the region. In a subtle criticism of the National Conference and Congress, Nadda remarked that “each vote will eliminate corruption and nepotism” in the region.
In his post on X, Nadda wrote, “I urge all voters, especially the youth participating in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, to vote in large numbers. Your vote will bring service, good governance, and development, and free the region from corruption, nepotism, and disorder. Upholding democracy in Jammu and Kashmir is a shared responsibility, and your participation will shape its bright future.”
As voting got underway for this second phase, more than 2.5 million eligible voters are set to determine the fate of 239 candidates in 26 constituencies across the Union Territory.
Notable contenders include former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, running for both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina from the Nowshera seat, and Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Hamid Karra contesting from the Central Shalteng seat.
The constituencies involved in this phase of elections are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
The final phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting set for October 8.