Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Highlights: Second phase of polling concludes with turnout of 56.05%, says CEO PK Pole

CEO PK Pole reports that the second round of voting has concluded with a 56.05% turnout.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC),Rajiv Kumar, called the current Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir "history in the making" and noted that large lines of people are forming outside polling stations where demands to boycott the democratic process were ever made. It's a celebration of democracy. "It is a festival of democracy. Voting is taking place in areas where it did not take place earlier.... There were calls for disruption and boycott in the past.... It is a standing ovation for democracy," the CEC said in the presence of fellow election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu

Reasi district in Jammu division records the highest polling at 71.81%, Srinagar district the lowest at 27.31%

Election Commission of India data reveals that as of 5 p.m., 54% of voters cast ballots in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the second phase of voting. Voting for the second round of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began at 7 am today. The votes of more than 25 lakh eligible voters in 26 constituencies spread over six districts of the Union Territory will determine the fate of 239 candidates.

Addressing a public rally in Sopore, Congress MP & Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, "We wanted that the statehood be restored before elections. All the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted the elections should take place after the restoration of the statehood... It did not happen, the first step is election. But after this, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has to be restored. INDIA Alliance will pressurise PM Modi in the Parliament for this. If they don't do this, then we will restore your statehood as soon as the INDIA Alliance forms the government at the centre."

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.

"The first and foremost issue is regarding your statehood. Several UTs have been made states, and states have been bifurcated... but this is the time in history that a state has been turned into a Union Territory. This has never happened in India, it's a matter of shame. We wanted that your statehood be restored before the Assembly polls..." said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at a public rally in Sopore.

46.12% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in the second phase of polling in 26 constituencies in six districts

"Breakthrough elections are going on in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K is electing for its future. There has been complete mismanagement and unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir for the last 10 years... Their resources have been distributed among outsiders. The statehood was taken away. It has never happened in the history of independent India that the status of state was reduced to a Union Territory... We are in a good position and the way the voter turnout has been, I think people don't trust BJP's gimmicks anymore and they are seeking change..."

BJP candidate Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, representing the Budhal Assembly seat, highlighted key issues affecting the region, stating, "The development of the region and unemployment are among the major challenges we face. For the past 70-72 years, there has been minimal development. Regional political parties focused on localized politics, securing votes but failing to deliver for the broader community, leading to public frustration. This discontent is reflected in the increased voter turnout. The people have significant hopes for the Modi government, and we anticipate the formation of a 'double-engine government' to drive development forward."

Addressing an election rally in Haryana today, Prime Minister Modi stated, "The Congress and its allies do not favor peace; they are aiming to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. This move would undermine the progress and stability we have achieved in the region."

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during an interaction with the press today, remarked, "There was a period when voter turnout was in the single digits, largely due to threats from terrorists. The current enthusiasm among voters is a clear indication that the era of terrorism has come to an end. Following the abrogation of Article 370, we have witnessed a wave of peace in Jammu and Kashmir."

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, addresing an election rally in Jammu today, stated, "In India’s history post-1947, several Union Territories have been transformed into states. For instance, Telangana emerged from Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand from Bihar, and Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh. However, for the first time since independence, a state was converted into a Union Territory, and that state is Jammu & Kashmir. This is an injustice to you. Your democratic rights have been taken away. Currently, J&K is not governed by its own people but by individuals from other states. We had anticipated that you would regain statehood before the elections, which would have been the appropriate course of action. Nevertheless, while it’s acceptable that elections are happening first, we demand the restoration of your democratic rights and the return of statehood to J&K."

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has arrived at a hotel in Jammu, J&K. He is set to conduct an election campaign as part of the third and final phase of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections.

"People are giving a statement, a standing ovation to the democracy by standing so peacefully in the queues, waiting for their turn. This is what is the history in making in Jammu and Kashmir. It's for the world to see how elections can take place in a peaceful, fair and inducement-free manner. Today, there are large number of diplomats also around in the area from different countries to see for themselves as to what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir," added EC Kumar.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing the media amid the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections today, stated, "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...", he added.

The foreign delegation toured several polling stations in the Union Territory, starting with visits to locations in Ompora (Budgam) before heading to Amira Kadal and SP College in Chinar Bagh, within the Lal Chowk constituency. At SP College, the delegates visited a unique pink polling station, which is notable for being managed entirely by women.

These polling stations had experienced notably low voter turnout during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the significance of this year's polling activity.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated, “It’s a very good sign that people are participating in large numbers. The BJP will emerge victorious in these elections because, thanks to the efforts of PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, terrorism has significantly decreased in J&K. The region is moving forward towards development".

Alice Cheng, Deputy High Commissioner at the Singapore High Commission, during her visit to a polling booth in Srinagar amid the second phase of voting, stated, "We are very thankful to the Ministry of External Affairs for organising this trip and providing us the opportunity to visit a polling station. Typically, in Delhi, regulations prevent us from walking into polling stations to observe how people vote. It’s wonderful to see so many women voters coming out today".

“Today marks the celebration of democracy. The public has eagerly awaited this day, and they are lining up at polling booths to exercise their democratic rights,” says Chaudhary Javed Iqbal, JKNC candidate from Budhal Assembly constituency.

The delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the United States, Norway, and Singapore, that arrived in Jammu and Kashmir early this morning, visited a polling station in the Ompora area of Budgam district, reported PTI.

The delegation included representatives from the Delhi-based missions of various countries, such as Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines. Most embassies were represented by their Charge d’Affaires and deputy chief of missions, while others sent political officers at the minister-counselor and counselor levels.

Aga Syed Ahmad Moosvi, the Awami National Conference (ANC) candidate from Budgam Assembly constituency, has highlighted the critical issues driving voters in the upcoming elections. Speaking on the concerns of the people, Moosvi stated, "People want justice and therefore, are casting their vote. People demand job security, peace, and land protection".

At the SDA polling booth in Srinagar's Bemina, Lim Sang Woo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the South Korean Embassy in India, shared his experience, saying, "I am here for the first time. It is very beautiful. It is wonderful to be amongst the people who are here to cast a vote. I see a really vibrant enthusiasm, and this is truly democracy in action. So, congratulations. It is well organised."

He also expressed delight at witnessing families participating in the process: "I was happy to see little kids with their parents... I think they are here to learn from their parents how democracy works. That was really impressive."

Returning Officer for 27-Budgam, Afroza, addressed an incident where a voter claimed that his vote had already been cast. She explained, "A voter had come to cast his vote but said that his vote had already been cast. I checked the marked electoral copy, and it was not the case. He did not have a voter slip, which the Presiding Officer (PO) will certainly ask for. The voter should have had at least one document."

She added that the PO requested the voter to show some identification. "Later, he got the voter slip, and he has now cast his vote," Afroza confirmed, clearing up the situation.

"People are not voting here because they are very happy with the Government of India. They are exercising their franchise despite all the attempts by the Government to trouble them over the last 6-7 years." He accused the government of seeking undue credit, noting that despite hardships, the citizens were still participating in the democratic process.

He also questioned the exclusion of foreign journalists from covering the elections while diplomats were being allowed, calling them "guided tourists" and adding, "This is not good."

Responding to the visit of 16 foreign diplomats currently observing the Jammu and Kashmir elections, JKNC vice president and candidate Omar Abdullah expressed his reservations in an interview with ANI. He questioned the government's approach, stating, "I don’t understand it. When the same people comment on Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India issues a statement that J&K is our internal matter and others should not interfere. If you do not want interference or their comments, why are they being brought here?"

Long lines of enthusiastic voters were seen outside polling stations across 26 constituencies. In a symbolic gesture, voters also planted saplings, signifying their commitment to both civic participation and environmental sustainability, stated the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Voters in Thanamandi, Rajouri, formed a line to cast their votes at a special polling station managed entirely by women. A total of 26 designated Pink Polling Stations, managed entirely by women, have been set up for the second phase of Assembly elections in the Union Territory.

JKNC vice president & party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Omar Abdullah said today, "I hope after Rahul is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu. Ultimately what the Congress does in Kashmir is not important. 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 do. The lion's share of the seats that the alliance gave in Jammu was to the Congress party. Yet, the Congress' campaign in Jammu is yet to begin and there are only five days of campaigning. I hope once Rahul is done campaigning in this one seat in the valley, the Congress focuses all it's attention in the plains of Jammu".

Rakesh Kumar, Bronze medal-winning Paralympian archer, after casting his vote in Katra earlier today, said, "Since the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K, we've witnessed numerous changes. With the upcoming elections, I believe even more changes will follow. It's crucial for everyone to cast their votes. Although I serve as the Brand Ambassador for the J&K Election Commission and don't endorse a specific party, I urge young people to vote and choose a government that will deliver the development they desire. Over the past decade, we've seen PM Modi inspiring us to participate in competitions, celebrating our achievements. This has transformed our sports culture. I am confident that by the 2028 Paralympics, we will rank among the top five countries in the world".

South African diplomat Lara Swart, interacting with the press today, stated, "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..."

A delegation of diplomats from 16 foreign missions, including representatives from the United States, European Union, Russia, and Australia, is set to arrive in Srinagar today to observe the second phase of polling. This 20-member group includes four officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Centre's invitation aims to highlight the "peaceful conduct of the electoral process" and demonstrate the "large-scale participation of the people."

BJP President in Jammu and Kashmir and Nowshera constituency candidate Ravinder Raina cast his vote a while ago.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla and chief of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), said today, during an interaction with the press, "I hope the people in central Kashmir will vote according to their conscience. I urge city voters to remember that the city is the heart of Kashmir; they should make their choices without any pressure. Vote for the candidate you believe will best address your daily issues. I am optimistic that the wave of the Awami Ittehad Party will sweep through Srinagar and Budgam as well".

JKNC Vice President and party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Omar Abdullah stated, "We have been waiting for elections for 10 years, and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout in the second phase as well. This participation is not due to the government of India; it is in spite of everything they have done. They have humiliated the people and used all government machinery to detain and harass them. Every election day is significant. While I have a personal stake in this, all phases are important."

PDP candidate Arif Laigaroo from the Habba Kadal Assembly constituency, said today, "When the political discourse ended here after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in 2019, the people were silent. There was no representation. Finally, the people here got this opportunity; they were waiting to cast their votes. The people of Habba Kadal want local representation. We believe that the people of Habba Kadal will bring a change today. The voters should use their power wisely".

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"I hope that the people in central Kashmir will vote according to the voice of their conscience. I urge urban voters to recognise that the city is the heart of Kashmir and to cast their votes freely, without any pressure. Choose the candidate who you believe is best equipped to address your everyday issues. I am optimistic that the wave of the Awami Ittehad Party will also sweep through Srinagar and Budgam," stated Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla and chief of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).

After casting his vote, Javed Rana, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate from the Mendhar assembly constituency, stated, "Democracy is being restored in J&K after a very long time. I urge voters to support JKNC so that we can demonstrate that the decision made on August 5, 2019, was incorrect."

Fayaz Ahmed Hamdani, the first voter at a polling booth in the Habba Kadal Assembly constituency, expressed his views, stating, “This vote is very important. The process of democracy must continue. Our problems will be addressed, roads will be constructed… there are numerous benefits to elections. Our representatives will enter the Assembly and work to resolve our issues. It is encouraging that elections are being held," reported PTI.

To boost voter participation in the second phase of the elections, a total of 157 special polling stations have been set up. Among these, 26 are designated as Pink Polling Stations, managed entirely by women.

Additionally, the arrangements include 26 polling stations staffed by specially-abled persons, 26 manned by youth volunteers, 31 Border Polling Stations, 26 Green Polling Stations focused on eco-friendly practices, and 22 Unique Polling Stations catering to specific community needs.

Waseem Shalla, an Independent candidate contesting from the Khanyar seat, expressed his hopes for voter turnout.

Early this morning, amid the second phase of polling, he stated, "I hope that people will come out of their homes to cast their vote. Today's polling is very important. If they don't vote, they will have to sit at home." Shalla also stressed the significance of voting for change and mentioned that he had informed the Congress leadership of his opposition to an alliance with the National Conference (NC). "My people advised me to contest as an Independent candidate, and they assured me of their support," he added. Shalla previously served as the general secretary of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee before resigning following the announcement of the Congress-NC alliance.

Ravinder Raina further stated, "The BJP is receiving tremendous support from the public, with people lining up to vote since early morning. This truly is a festival of democracy. I have complete confidence in the work accomplished by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in J&K. I believe the people of J&K will cast their votes for the BJP in significant numbers. As for the Chief Minister, whoever it may be will be acceptable".

Home Minister Amit Shah took to microblogging site X, urging voters to vote in large numbers, "I appeal to all the voters going to vote in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir. Cast record votes for a government that works with commitment for the golden future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the rights of the deprived and women and for the development of this place. Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption".

BJP candidate from Lal Chowk Assembly constituency stated Aijaz Hussain said today, "People have developed trust in the democratic system. I am optimistic that the people will prioritise development in their voting decisions. I am confident that the BJP will secure victory in the Lal Chowk Assembly constituency. I urge all voters to participate actively and cast their votes in large numbers".

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BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina expressed confidence that the party will secure a substantial majority and form the government. He stated, "Anyone could be the CM... I am an ordinary worker of the party, and we work with the sense of 'Nation First.' The way BJP, PM Modi, and HM Amit Shah have taken J&K to new heights is a matter of pride for us."

Raina emphasised the significant transformation in the region, contrasting it with the previous governments of Congress, PDP, and NC, which he claimed fostered an atmosphere of fear. "Today, there is an atmosphere of joy and peace, thanks to the efforts of PM Modi and HM Shah. You will see record voting here," he added, highlighting his optimism for the electoral turnout.

A 'pink polling booth' has been established in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency in Katra to encourage women's participation in the electoral process and create a more inclusive voting environment.

BJP candidate Baldev Raj Sharma, representing the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency, conducted prayers at his residence in preparation for the second phase of voting. This assembly constituency is newly established following the delimitation process, marking the first time voting will take place in this area.

Early this morning, interacting with the press, Sharma, expressed his sentiments, stating, "I want to appeal to all voters to vote in large numbers in favor of BJP. We are very happy about the fact that our constituency is named after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi."

The 11 seats from the Jammu division going into the second phase of polls today are Gulabgarh, Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Thannamandi, Surankote, Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar.

J&K BJP chief and candidate from the Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina, offered prayers early this morning at the Thakurdwara Temple ahead of the second phase of the assembly elections today.

"Today marks the second phase of the assembly elections, and I hope to see robust voter participation, setting new records for turnout. This is indeed a joyous occasion for democracy. I urge the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote freely and without fear. Cast your votes to strengthen democracy and contribute to a new and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir", Raina stated early this morning while interacting with the press.

In today's phase of the assembly elections, approximately 2.578 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots. This includes 1.312 million men and 1.265 million women voters. Additionally, around 120,000 voters aged 18 to 19 are participating in this phase.

Polling will take place at 3,502 polling stations, with 100 percent webcasting implemented across the 26 assembly seats, as confirmed by the Election Commission.

Key contenders in this phase of the assembly elections include former chief minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina.

Omar Abdullah is running for election from two assembly seats: Ganderbal and Budgam. Tariq Hamid Karra is contesting from Central Shalteng, while Ravinder Raina will compete for the Nowshera seat in Rajouri, which he has held since 2014.

Voting will take place today across 26 constituencies - Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).

Voting will take place today across 26 constituencies. In the Kashmir region, the constituencies include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng. Additionally, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, and Chadoora are also part of the electoral process in this phase.

The first phase of the elections saw a voter turnout of 61.38 percent, and the second phase is expected to maintain similar levels of engagement. The third phase is scheduled for October 1, with counting to take place on October 8.

More than 2.5 million people are set to vote across 26 constituencies — 11 in Jammu and 15 in Kashmir — today, according to the Election Commission (EC). Following the successful completion of the first phase, which saw a voter turnout of 61.38%, the Union Territory is gearing up for the second phase of polling.

The second phase of elections will also take place in the central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam, determining the fate of several political heavyweights. Security has been ramped up across these areas, particularly in regions close to the Line of Control (LoC), due to concerns over cross-border shelling despite the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan.