In the first phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, voter turnout reached approximately 61 percent by 11:30 p.m. on September 18, as reported by the Election Commission of India. This figure is expected to increase slightly.
The highest turnout was recorded in the Inderwal constituency, with around 82 percent, followed by Kishtwar with 78 percent, according to the poll panel.
The provisional voter turnout for the 24 assembly seats, which are spread across seven districts, was just over 61 percent at 11:30 p.m. This percentage might rise as some polling stations are in remote areas of the Pir Panjal Mountain range.
This assembly election marks the first in Jammu and Kashmir in ten years, with the first phase held peacefully on September 18. The last assembly election in the region, which was then a state, took place in 2014. During the 2014 assembly elections, the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP secured 11 out of the 24 seats voting today. The BJP and Congress each won four seats, while the National Conference led by Farooq Abdullah and the CPI(M) won one seat each.
The constituencies involved in the second phase phase include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, and Gulabgarh (ST). Additionally, voting will occur in Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
In the second phase of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections, over 2.5 million voters will determine the outcome for 239 candidates competing for 26 assembly seats. Polling started at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. today. Key contenders in this phase include former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP J&K Chief Ravinder Raina. Abdullah is running from Ganderbal and Budgam, while Karra is contesting in Central Shalteng. Other prominent candidates include Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari, former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar and Abdul Rahim Rather, as well as BJP candidates Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari. This phase spans six districts: 93 candidates in Srinagar, 46 in Budgam, 34 in Rajouri, 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi.
The second and third phases of voting are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively, with the election results to be announced on October 8.
06:17 PM · Sep 25, 2024
In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections, Reasi district in the Jammu division reported the highest voter turnout at 71.81%, while Srinagar district had the lowest at 27.31%.
05:23 PM · Sep 25, 2024
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has nominated Javaid Iqbal, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forward Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has selected Guftar Ahmed as candidates from this constituency.
04:19 PM · Sep 25, 2024
US Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan K Andrews says, “It is fascinating to see how India organises its elections and how thorough the preparations are and how celebratory this period is. It has been very inspiring…It is heartening to see Kashmir is casting vote after 10 years.”
03:35 PM · Sep 25, 2024
46.12% votes polled till 3:00 pm
“Over 46.12 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 03:00 pm in all polling stations of 26 Assembly Constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is being held today under the 2nd phase of General Elections to the Legislative Assembly”, communicated the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.
01:45 PM · Sep 25, 2024
01:43 PM · Sep 25, 2024
In Jammu, Congress MP & Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “In the history of India, after 1947 several UTs were turned into states. States were divided – Telangana was formed out of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand was formed out of Bihar, Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. But for the first time after independence, a state was turned into a UT. This was done to Jammu & Kashmir. This is an injustice to you. Your democratic rights have been snatched away from you. Today J&K, is not run by the people of J&K, it is run by the people of other states. We had thought that you would get back the statehood before elections. That would have been the correct way…But it is fine that they are conducting elections first. But we want your democratic rights, the statehood of J&K is given back to you.”
12:00 PM · Sep 25, 2024
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says, “People are coming out to vote in large numbers…This is a history in the making…We are very happy that the voting is taking place in the entire valley and Jammu with enthusiasm…Be it the valley of Srinagar, be it the high mountain peaks from where the calls for disruption used to come, everywhere people are coming out to vote. Even in areas where there used to be calls for boycotts, there is enthusiasm among voters…It is for the world to see that how the elections can take place in J&K in a peaceful, fair manner…A large number of diplomats are also around in the area to see the assembly elections…”
11:43 AM · Sep 25, 2024
11:36 AM · Sep 25, 2024
A delegation of diplomats from various countries visits polling stations in Srinagar to witness the polling process.
Diplomats from USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Phillippines are a part of this delegation.
11:00 AM · Sep 25, 2024
PDP candidate from Charari Sharief Assembly constituency Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura casts his vote at a polling booth, in the second phase of J&K Assembly elections.
He says, “There is a good atmosphere here, the people have been waiting for elections for the last ten years. Voters are very enthusiastic…”
10:47 AM · Sep 25, 2024
After casting his vote, the President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party and candidate from Channapora assembly seat, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari says, “I congratulate the people of J&K for getting an opportunity to vote…People are coming out to vote in large numbers with a hope for change…The public has the golden opportunity to elect a state government which will ensure their development…”
10:43 AM · Sep 25, 2024
At SDA polling booth in Srinagar’s Bemina, Alice Cheng from the Singapore High Commission says, “The organisation is very similar to Singapore where you use government buildings to make it accessible for people. So, we are very grateful to MEA for organising this trip for us to come and witness the polling in progress.
10:35 AM · Sep 25, 2024
A delegation of diplomats from various countries arrives at a polling station in Bemina area of Srinagar to witness the polling process.
26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are voting today
10:30 AM · Sep 25, 2024
A diplomat from Rwanda says, “…The organisation is smooth and we are told that it (voting) started at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm…They are expecting everyone to come in and vote…”
10:27 AM · Sep 25, 2024
10:14 AM · Sep 25, 2024
JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah and President Farooq Abdullah show their inked fingers after casting their vote in Srinagar.
Omar Abdullah’s sons Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah are also present.
10:10 AM · Sep 25, 2024
JKNC president Farooq Abdullah and his son and the party’s vice president, Omar Abdullah, arrive at a polling booth in Srinagar to cast their vote in the second phase of the J&K Assembly elections.
Omar Abdullah is the party’s candidate from Budgam and Ganderbal.
10:00 AM · Sep 25, 2024
South African diplomat Lara Swart says, “I think we are from 15 countries. It is the first time that I am visiting Jammu and Kashmir. It is really a privilege to be invited by the Ministry of External Affairs to come and visit the polling stations…”
09:50 AM · Sep 25, 2024
A delegation of diplomats from various countries arrives at a polling booth in Budgam area to witness the polling process.
26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are voting today.
09:47 AM · Sep 25, 2024
09:45 AM · Sep 25, 2024
09:45 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Congress leader & LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi leaves from his residence, in Delhi.
He is scheduled to take part in the election campaign in Jammu & Kashmir. The third phase of Assembly elections in J&K is scheduled to be held on October 1.
09:35 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party candidate from the Central Shalteng Assembly constituency, Zaffer Habib says, “We want development in the constituency…People are coming out in large numbers to vote and they are voting for change…Statehood and special status should be restored…I appeal to everyone to vote…”
09:33 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Bronze medal-winning Paralympian archer Rakesh Kumar casts his vote at a polling booth in Katra.
09:28 AM · Sep 25, 2024
09:10 AM · Sep 25, 2024
JKNC vice president & party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Omar Abdullah says, “We have been waiting for 10 years (for elections), and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase also…This participation is not because of the government of India it is in spite of everything the government of India did. They have humiliated people, and all the machinery of the government to detain and harass people…All election days are important. Yes, I have a personal stake in this but all phases are important…”
09:09 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party candidate from Budgam Assembly constituency, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi says, “The elections in J&K are very significant…”
09:06 AM · Sep 25, 2024
‘Women managed’ pink polling station set up in Poonch district
09:03 AM · Sep 25, 2024
08:57 AM · Sep 25, 2024
JKNC candidate from Charar-i-Sharief Assembly constituency, Abdul Rahim Rather casts his vote at a polling station in Budgam.
08:55 AM · Sep 25, 2024
08:53 AM · Sep 25, 2024
As polling kicks off in Jammu and Kashmir, women from Nowshera are voicing their concerns and priorities. Many voters emphasize women’s empowerment as the critical issue of this election, seeking leaders who champion gender equality and upliftment in the region.
08:47 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Voters in queues at a polling station in Ganderbal Assembly constituency.
JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah is contesting from here, facing a contest from PDP’s Bashir Ahmad Mir.
08:40 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Jammu to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today.
Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
08:27 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Kangan Assembly constituency to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today.
Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
08:25 AM · Sep 25, 2024
After casting his vote, JKNC candidate from Mendhar assembly constituency, Javed Rana says, “Democracy is being restored in J&K after a very long time…I appeal to the voters to vote for JKNC so that we can prove that the decision taken on 5th Aug 2019 was wrong”
08:21 AM · Sep 25, 2024
JKNC candidate from Mendhar assembly constituency, Javed Rana cast his vote at a polling station in Poonch.
BJP has fielded Murtaza Ahmed Khan while Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party has fielded Nadeem Ahmed Khan from the constituency.
08:14 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Voting underway at a polling station set up for Migrant voters at the Northern Zonal Accountancy Training Institute in Jammu.
08:09 AM · Sep 25, 2024
08:04 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Congress candidate from Rajouri Assembly constituency Iftkar Ahmed says, “Today is the biggest festival of democracy in which people are casting their votes after 10 years. I just checked the polling station, there is a polling station is Higher Secondary School. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people and they are voting. I appeal to the people to come and vote in huge numbers…”
07:56 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Rajouri Assembly constituency to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today.
BJP has fielded Vibodh Gupta while Congress has fielded Iftkar Ahmed.
07:48 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Srinagar to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today. Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
07:47 AM · Sep 25, 2024
07:44 AM · Sep 25, 2024
The first three voters at a polling station in Bagoo Rampora of Ganderbal constituency, plant saplings after casting their vote.
JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah is contesting from here where he is facing a contest from PDP’s Bashir Ahmad Mir.
07:41 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Budgam Assembly constituency to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today. Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
07:35 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Long queues of voters at a polling station in Reasi constituency, as polling gets underway.
Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
The BJP has fielded Kuldeep Raj Dubey who faces a contest from Congress’ Mumtaz Khan here.
07:34 AM · Sep 25, 2024
J&K BJP chief and party’s candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina says, “BJP is getting a lot of support from the people. People have been standing in queues to cast their votes since early morning. This is a festival of democracy. I have full faith in the work that has been done by PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in J&K. I have faith that the people of J&K will vote for BJP in large numbers…Whoever is the CM it will be acceptable…”
07:32 AM · Sep 25, 2024
J&K BJP chief and party’s candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina, shows his inked finger after casting his vote for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
07:30 AM · Sep 25, 2024
J&K BJP chief and party’s candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina casts his vote at polling Station number 90, in Nowshera.
07:26 AM · Sep 25, 2024
07:25 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up outside a polling station in Balhama, Srinagar, to vote as polling for the second phase of elections begins. Voting is being held in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT today.
07:23 AM · Sep 25, 2024
People queue up at a polling station in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency of Katra to vote in the second phase of Assebly elections today. Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.
07:15 AM · Sep 25, 2024
BJP candidate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma casts his vote.
07:04 AM · Sep 25, 2024
Baldev Raj Sharma, a BJP candidate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency, offered prayers at his residence ahead of the second phase of voting. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly Constituency is a fairly new constituency that was made after delimitation and it’s the first time voting will be happening for this constituency
17:45 PM · Sep 24, 2024
In anticipation of the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on September 25, security measures have been intensified in the Rajouri district. Security personnel have been stationed throughout various areas, and vehicle inspections are being conducted to ensure safety. This phase of the elections will cover 26 assembly seats across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
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