59 pc voter turnout in Ist phase in J&K, polling peaceful: CEO
Kishtwar records highest voter turnout at 77.23 pc, Pulwama lowest at 46.03 pc
Srinagar/Jammu, Sep 18: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday witnessed a historic event as the ballot attracted voters in bulk including those who had never voted so far.
Today was the first election in a decade and first after revocation of Article 370 and first also in J&K as a UT. Nevertheless, there was huge participation in all 24 Assembly segments
Once marred by boycotts and the looming threat of terrorism, Kashmir was seen celebrating its democratic rights with a renewed sense of hope after 10 years.
Voting took place for 24 assembly seats across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir, including areas that were once reluctant to participate in the electoral process.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole Wednesday said that the first phase of Assembly elections recorded 59 per cent polling with a possibility of fractional increase to the figure.
“Total poll percentage for the first phase of Assembly polls was 59 per cent with a fractional increase very much possible. This time, we worked out district wise figures as earlier one Assembly constituency was spread in two districts. Post delimitation exercise no Assembly constituency is spread in two districts,” Pole said.
He said the polling percentage has come from the 3276 polling booths and 23 special polling booths—19 in Jammu and four in Delhi for the migrant voters.
Sharing the district-wise percentage, Pole said Anantnag district recorded 54.17 per cent voting, Kulgam 61.7, Pulwama 46.03 and Shopian 53.64. “In Jammu, Doda district recorded 69.33 per cent voting, Kishtwar 77.23 and Ramban 67. 71 per cent voting,” he said.
He said in Kashmir, Kulgam recorded the highest voter turn and in Jammu, Kishtwar district topped the list. “Today’s voting percentage is higher than previous elections held in 2009, 2014 and 2024 (Lok Sabha polls) and 2008, 2014, 2024 (Assembly polls),” Pole said.
Doling out the Assembly constituency-wise poll percentage figures, Pole said In Kashmir, Shopian recorded 54.72 percent voting, Zainapora 52.64 percent, D.H.Pora 68 percent, Devsar 57.33 percent, Kulgam 62.70 percent, Anantnag 41.58 per cent, Anantang West 45.93 percent, Dooru 57.90 per cent, Kokernag 58 percent, Pahalgam 67.86 per cent, Shangus-Anantnag East 52.94 percent, Pampore 44.78 percent, Pulwama 50.42 per cent Rajpora 48.07 percent and Tral 43.21 percent.
“In Jammu, Bhaderwah recorded 65.27 percent voting, Doda 70.21 per cent, Doda West 74.14 percent, Inderwal 80.06 percent, Kishtwar 75.04 and Padder Nagseni 76.80 percentage,” Pole said
To a query whether any untoward incident was reported anywhere in J&K, Pole said no incident was reported to an extent where re-poll should be done. “Minor incidents were reported in Kishtwar where the Deputy Commissioner took the cognisance and the issue was resolved,” he said. “Central forces and police acted swiftly as well.”
This time, however, districts such as Shopian, Tral, and Pulwama—often in the shadow of insurgency—saw an enthusiastic voter turnout. What makes this election particularly notable is not just the ten-year gap, but also the transformation of the electoral landscape post-Article 370- change that has injected fresh optimism into the region.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to voters for participating in what he called a “historic voter turnout.” He highlighted the significance of the elections as a testament to the strength of Indian democracy, noting the region’s transformation from fear and conflict to one where voters proudly exercise their democratic rights. In his tweet, Sinha said, “Record polling in the peaceful, free & fair election attests to the strength of Indian democracy & people’s faith in democratic values.” He also praised the efforts of security forces, the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and election officials, while commending first-time voters, particularly women, for coming out in large numbers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the several leaders encouraging voters to come out in large numbers and take part in the “festival of democracy”.
In a post on X, he particularly targeted young and first-time voters in his appeal.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed for a strong voter turnout to elect a government focused on youth education, employment, and women’s empowerment while combating separatism.
“Pehle matdan phir jalpan”, he said in a post on X, asking people to vote before breakfast.
He encouraged voters to prioritise casting their votes before meals.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sought support for the INDIA bloc, calling the election a chance for the voters to reclaim their rights and foster employment opportunities in the region.
He termed the downgrading of the state’s status a “violation of constitutional rights,” urging citizens to vote for a prosperous future.
For many, this election was not just about voting, but about reclaiming a sense of agency and participation in the democratic process. For years, the region struggled with the fear of terrorism and the weight of political instability, but today’s election signals a shift towards normalcy and a brighter, more democratic future.
With approximately 59% turnout in the first phase, the region has made a powerful statement about its faith in democracy. Voters from all walks of life, including the elderly and first-time voters, stood in long queues, undeterred by past fears or political uncertainties. The image of these voters, from districts like Doda and Anantnag, casting their ballots serves as a symbolic rebuke to the adversaries of peace and democracy, and a firm reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s place within the democratic framework of India.
