Polling begins in first major democratic exercise in J&K after a decade; PM Modi calls upon young voters to exercise franchise

Srinagar/Jammu: Polling began on a brisk note on Wednesday morning in the 24 Assembly Constituencies across seven districts of Jammu & Kashmir, officials said.

This is the first major democratic exercise in a decade in Jammu and Kashmir and the first assembly election since the revocation of Article 370 and converting the State into a Union Territory in August 2019. The last Assembly election in the erstwhile J&K state was held in 2014.

Officials said the polling began with long queues of enthusiastic voters waiting for their turn to exercise their right to franchise.

The polling began at 7 am at all 3276 polling stations across J&K. The administration has made elaborative arrangements at all polling stations for smooth polling.

The voting is underway in constituencies of Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, DH Pora, Kulgam, Devsar, Dooru, Kokernag (ST), Anantnag West, Anantnag, Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Shangus-Anantnag East, Pahalgam, Inderwal, Kishtwar, Padder-Nagseni, Bhaderwah, Doda, Doda West, Ramban and Banihal.

A total of 23.27 lakh voters are eligible to vote to decide the electoral fate of 219 candidates in this phase of the elections.

Prominent candidates in the first phase include senior Congress working committee member Ghulam Ahmed Mir, PDP’s Iltija Mufti (daughter of party chief Mehbooba Mufti), CPIM leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, PDP youth leader Waheed Para, former MP and National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi, senior NC leader Sakeena Itoo, BJP leader Sofi Youusf, former Jamaat-e-Islami member Talat Majeed, independent candidate G M Saroori, BJP’s Sushri Parihar, NC’s Sajad Kichloo among others.

PM Modi calls upon young voters to exercise franchise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon voters, especially "young and first-time voters," to exercise their franchise as the first phase of assembly elections has begun in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the social media post of X, PM Narendra Modi wrote, "As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise."

Kharge urges J&K people to vote for progress

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday appealed to voters in Jammu and Kashmir to come out and vote in large numbers to bring peace, stability, justice and progress in the Union Territory.

On his social media handle X, Kharge said, "The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to safeguard their rights and embark on a new era of true development and full statehood. As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers".

"Every single vote holds the power to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment. We appeal to all, especially first-time voters, to participate in this crucial election and be the catalysts for change," Kharge said.

He said, "For the first time ever, a state was downgraded to a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, do remember who is responsible for this travesty. Let us unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where voices of all citizens are heard".