J-K Assembly polls phase 1 LIVE: Over 23 lakh voters will decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents, who are running for 24 assembly segments in the first phase. The other two phases are scheduled to be held on September 25 and October 1.
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is being held today (September 18), marking a significant political event as the region holds its first assembly polls in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm. A total of 24 seats are up for contention, spread across six districts, with 16 constituencies in the Kashmir region and 8 in the Jammu region. Over 23 lakh registered voters are expected to decide the fate of 219 candidates, including some prominent names like Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and Iltija Mufti. The Election Commission has deployed 14,000 personnel across 3,276 polling stations to ensure smooth proceedings. Security is tight, with multi-tiered forces stationed across the region due to the sensitive nature of the elections in this post-Article 370 scenario. Key constituencies, such as Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Pahalgam are being closely watched due to their political significance.
In a significant development for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, female voters proudly displayed their inked fingers after casting their votes during the first phase of the elections at an all-women polling station in the Kishtwar Assembly Constituency. This initiative highlights the inclusive and empowering approach adopted for this electoral process. The Kishtwar constituency sees a competitive race with prominent candidates from major political parties. The BJP has fielded Shagun Parihar, representing the party’s bid to secure support in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has put forward Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, aiming to consolidate its position in the area. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen Firdoos Ahmed Tak as its candidate.
The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 11.11 per cent until 9 am.
Here are region-wise voter turnout:
Anantnag: 10.26%Doda: 12.90%Kishtwar: 14.83%Kulgam: 10.77%Pulwama: 9.18%Ramban: 11.91%Shopian: 11.44%
