The first phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir kicked off today, marking another milestone since the abrogation of Article 370. Over 23 lakh voters across 24 constituencies located in 7 districts will decide the fate of 219 candidates standing in this phase.
Strict security measures are in place to ensure peaceful voting across 3,276 polling stations – both rural and urban. Thousands of security forces from CAPF, police and armed forces have been deployed. This also includes special arrangements for nearly 1.23 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19, PwD electors and elderly above 85 years.
Key candidates include sitting and former legislators from NC, PDP, Congress, BJP and independents. Prominent names are Sakina Itoo, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti from PDP and NC. They are contesting from areas like Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian. In Jammu region, former ministers Sajad Kitchloo and Khalid Najib are in the fray along with BJP’s Shagun Parihar.
Voters will decide the fate of candidates across 16 constituencies in Kashmir districts – Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian. Similarly, 8 seats in Jammu’s Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and Banihal regions are polling today. The voting will conclude by evening and results will be declared on October 8 along with the other two phases.
This is a significant election being held after over a decade and will test public participation in the first major electoral exercise in the UT. A high voter turnout despite disruptions will reinforce democratic processes in the region.
