Second Phase of Jammu and Kashmir Elections Underway
The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 commenced on Wednesday, September 25, with voting taking place in 26 seats across six districts. Polls are set to close at 6 PM. Key districts like Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, which have witnessed a surge in terror attacks in recent years, have heightened security measures in place.
Over 2.5 million voters are expected to cast their ballots today, determining the fate of 239 candidates. Of these, 79 candidates contest in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu. This election marks a historic moment as it is the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in 10 years, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Key Candidates and Political Landscape
Prominent political figures include Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, who is contesting from two seats, Ganderbal and Budgam. BJP state president Ravinder Raina, who has held the Nowshera seat for the past decade, is another significant contender in Rajouri.
The first phase of the elections, held on September 18 across 24 constituencies in seven districts, recorded a voter turnout of 61.13%. The third phase is scheduled for October 1, with the final vote counting set for October 8.
Omar Abdullah Criticizes Government
Omar Abdullah, speaking during the campaign, criticized the government for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the election process. He emphasized that the focus should be on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not on international observation.
In a separate comment, Abdullah urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to concentrate more on the Jammu region, stating, “What the Congress does in Jammu is important. Unfortunately, Congress hasn’t done as much in the plains of Jammu as we would expect them to.”
BJP Dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism
While campaigning in Srinagar, Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “He used to boast about a 56-inch chest, but he is not the same person anymore.” The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly dismissed these remarks, calling them “utterly baseless” and “laughable.”
Political Rhetoric Intensifies: BJP Spokesperson Hits Back
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla aimed at the Congress-NC alliance, referring to it as “Parivarvaadi, Pakistan Parasti, and Patharbazi” (family-driven, pro-Pakistan, and stone-pelting). He further stated that since the abrogation of Article 370, the alliance has failed to gain any substantial support apart from Pakistan.
Election Commission Initiatives
The Election Commission of India has implemented several initiatives to ensure smooth polling. A total of 157 special polling stations have been set up, including 26 ‘pink polling stations’ managed entirely by women, 26 stations managed by specially-abled persons, and 31 border polling stations. Unique green and youth-managed polling stations are also among the innovative arrangements for these elections.
With phase two underway and all eyes on the security and turnout in sensitive areas, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 promise to be a landmark event in the region’s political landscape.
