Jammu and Kashmir Voting Highlights: Phase-3 voting concludes with voter turnout of 65.58% as of 7 PM

The third and final phase of polling hels in seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir concluded peacefully with record voter turnout of 65.58% till 7pm, according to Election Commission of India. As per ECI data, Udhampur saw highest turnout 72.91% and Baramulla saw lowest turnout of 55.73%. The counting is scheduled on October 8

Till 5pm, Udhampur recorded the highest poll percentage of 72.91 percent, followed by Sambha 72. 41 percent, Kathua 70.53 percent, Jammu 66.79 percent, Bandipora 63.33 percent and Baramulla 55. 73 percent.

Among the 40 constituencies that went to vote today, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir valley.

The first phase of voting held on September 18 saw a poll percentage of 61.13 percent, while 56.31 percent was recorded in the second phase held on September 25.

Bandipore-63.33%

Baramulla-55.73%

Jammu-66.79%

Kathua- 70.53%

Kupwara-62.76%

Samba-72.41%

Udhampur-72.91%

Udhampur recorded the highest voter turnout at 64.43 percent by 3 pm. Samba followed with 63.24 percent, then Kathua at 62.43 percent,

With the third and final phase of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election scheduled for Tuesday, authorities have said exit poll predictions could be aired only after 6 pm on October 5.

According to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission (EC) on August 31 and under the provisions of section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, all media outlets, polling agencies and individuals are informed that publication or broadcast of exit poll results related to the Jammu and Kashmir election may be done after 6 pm on October 5, the office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) said in a statement on Monday.

Ruldu Ram's joy knew no bounds after he voted for the first time in his life at the age of 90, nearly eight decades after migrating from Pakistan during the Partition. He was among hundreds of West Pakistan refugees in the border town of R S Pura who cast their votes for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

"I voted for the first time. I was not entitled to vote before. We came from West Pakistan in 1947," he said, as per news agency PTI.

Several former ministers and candidates were among those who exercised their franchise at various polling stations in Jammu and Samba districts on Tuesday in the third and final phase of the assembly polls.

Many of them also highlighted that the significant voter turnout symbolises the triumph of democracy over Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bandipore-53.09%

Baramulla-46.09%

Jammu-56.74%

Kathua- 62.43%

Kupwara-52.98%

Samba-63.24%

Udhampur-64.43%

"As an ordinary Kashmiri, our aim of casting vote is to elect a representative who can take our concerns to the Assembly, but it will be possible only when there will be a CM. However, it is UT and CM does not have that much authority and L-G has powers. I would like to urge the central government to give our state (statehood) back," said Aijaz Ahmad Guroo, Independent candidate from Sopore seat.

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said the enthusiastic participation of people in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls reflects the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies and "true mainstreaming" of democracy in the Union territory.

National Conference candidate from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, casts his vote in the third and last phase of Assembly elections today. Speaking to ANI, Irshad Rasool Kar, said, "People believe in the democratic process and want solutions to their issues through voting. My agendas are development and fighting for our rights. I urge people to vote to strengthen the democratic setup and National Conference."

Members of the Valmiki community exercised their franchise for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Tuesday and termed it as a "historic moment".

"I am a first-time voter at the age of 45. In my lifetime. We are thrilled and filled with enthusiasm to participate in J-K's assembly elections for the first time. It is like a big festival for us," Gharu Bhati, who voted at a polling station in Jammu, told news agency PTI.

A voter turnout of 61.38 percent was recorded in the first phase of the elections on September 18 and 57.31 percent in the second phase on September 25.

The results are scheduled to be announced on October 8.

Arif Laigaroo, the PDP candidate from the Habba Kadal constituency, expressed optimism about a robust voter turnout. He stated that after a decade, the people have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, stating, "We hope that there will be voting in large numbers. The voting percentage will increase."

Mir Junaid, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, stated that engaging in talks with Pakistan is unnecessary until the country ceases its support for terrorism and the killing of innocent individuals. He accused various political parties of deceiving the public and predicted that they would soon propose dialogue with China without any legitimate justification.

As of 1 pm, voter turnout in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has shown promising figures: Bandipore recorded 42.67 percent, Baramulla 36.60 percent, Jammu 43.36 percent, Kathua 50.09 percent, Kupwara 42.08 percent, Samba 49.73 percent, and Udhampur leading with 51.66 percent.

“Let’s see. Let’s hope for the best. The last time we went to the polls, we were contesting for one of the most empowered assemblies. Today, we have contested perhaps for one of the weakest assemblies in India. That’s a comedown,” says People’s Conference President Sajjad Lone on election results expectations.

“People are happy and enthusiastic that the election is being conducted after such a long time. However, they also have concerns about whether the government will be able to meet their aspirations,” says Congress candidate from Bandipora seat, Nazam-ud-din Bhat.

BSP candidate from Kathua Assembly constituency, Sandeep Majotra, said today, "After 10 years, elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir, offering hope and a new direction for people who have been deprived over the past decade. This election gives them the opportunity to bring change here in Kathua... I urge the people to not only focus on the party but to consider the candidate's dedication and hard work, and vote for the one who can truly bring development to Kathua".

On the third and final phase of Assembly elections, Imran Nabi Dar, Spokesperson of the National Conference, expresses optimism, stating, "I think we will see bumper voting. We have conveyed everything we wanted to the public, and I am confident that they will vote in favour of National Conference candidates. Omar and Farooq Sah have made it clear that the National Conference will not form an alliance with the BJP. The INDIA alliance will form the government here on October 8th."

As of the latest updates, voter turnout figures for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections stand as follows: Bandipore recorded a turnout of 28.04 percent, Baramulla 23.20 percent, Jammu 27.15 percent, Kathua 31.78 percent, Kupwara 27.34 percent, Samba 31.50 percent, and Udhampur leading with 33.84 percent.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Independent candidate from the Baramulla Assembly Constituency, "No Assembly election was conducted for 10 years. We don’t blame anyone for this; perhaps the situation warranted it. Now, the youth have hope with this election. Around 26 candidates are contesting from the Baramulla Assembly seat. There’s no clarity on who is funding or backing them, which creates confusion".

Speaking on the third phase of voting, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kumar stated, "Complete arrangements have been made at the polling stations... About 12 percent voting has been recorded till 9 am. Voting is proceeding peacefully across all locations."

Speaking on the security arrangements for polling in Sopore, Divya D, SSP Sopore, stated, "Voting has been underway since 7 am, and everything is proceeding smoothly so far. Our security arrangements are in place, and officers are present on the ground to ensure the process runs smoothly. People are turning out in large numbers to vote, and we expect higher participation compared to previous elections."

After casting his vote, BJP candidate from Nagrota Assembly seat, Devender Singh Rana remarked, "It is a festival of democracy, and the people are participating with great enthusiasm and passion. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and want to be part of this journey toward a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, a full majority BJP government will be formed."

The assembly segments where voting is happening include:

>> Baramulla District: Baramulla, Uri, Rafiabad, Pattan, Gulmarg, Sopore, and Wagoora-Kreeri.

>> Kupwara District: Kupwara, Karnah, Trehgam, Handwara, Lolab, and Langate.

>> Bandipora District: Bandipora, Sonawari, and Gurez.

Rahul Gandhi took to X stating, “Today is the third and last phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Remember, this election is about the self-respect of the state; it is about the rights of the people of the state. All voters are requested to come out of their homes in large numbers and vote for INDIA.”

He further added, “Your every vote for INDIA will secure the foundation of the future of Jammu and Kashmir and will give you the strength to fight for your rights.”

In the third phase of elections, a significant majority of the seats being contested are located in the Jammu region, marking a shift from the previous phases. The BJP has been a dominant force in this region during the last three elections since 2014.

The 24 seats in Jammu that are up for voting today have historically been crucial for the BJP, contributing to their overall tally of 25 seats and enabling them to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with Mehbooba Mufti's PDP. Learn more.

The voter turnout till 9 am in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections varied across districts, with Bandipore recording 11.64 percent, Baramulla at 8.89 percent, Jammu at 11.46 percent, Kathua at 13.09 percent, Kupwara at 11.27 percent, Samba at 13.31 percent, and Udhampur leading with 14.23 percent.

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta stated, "Elections are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir after a decade, and there is a palpable enthusiasm among the people. Today, they have shown their gratitude towards democracy and expressed their faith in it. I am confident that the government formed will support democracy and align with the Bharatiya Janata Party."

On the third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, State BJP President and candidate from the Nowshera Assembly seat, Ravinder Raina, expressed his optimism, stating, "A large number of people are voting in the final phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The citizens have wholeheartedly participated in this festival of democracy. These elections have been conducted very well..."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, this morning, called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in large numbers during the third and final phase of the assembly polls, urging them to "teach a lesson" to those who stripped the region of its statehood.

Taking to microblogging site X, Kharge wrote, "As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections begins, I urge everyone in these 40 Assembly seats to cast their votes." He described this as the last opportunity to hold accountable those responsible for the loss of statehood.

"Remember, a single vote can change your destiny and pave the way for a brighter future that safeguards your Constitutional rights," he asserted. He also welcomed first-time voters, highlighting that their participation will play a crucial role in determining the future of Jammu and Kashmir. "Once again, I encourage you to join the voting queue," he concluded.

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid, says, "This vote is crucial not just for me, but for every Kashmiri and the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. After 6 PM, your power as voters will diminish... You have until 6 PM today to make your voices heard. This is not just another state election; it carries significant weight. If we want to overcome our challenges, you must think wisely and cast your vote today. We need to show the 140 crore people of India that Kashmir is not Modi's new Kashmir, and if we are to build a new Kashmir, it must be on our terms".

Prominent candidates in this phase include Raman Bhalla (R S Pura), Usman Majid (Bandipora), Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez), Taj Mohiuddin (Uri), Basharat Bukhari (Wagoora-Kreeri), Imran Ansari (Pattan), Ghulam Hassan Mir (Gulmarg), Choudhary Lal Singh (Basohli), Rajiv Jasrotia (Jasrota), Manohar Lal Sharma (Billawar), Sham Lal Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra (Jammu North).

Special initiatives aimed at enhancing participation include 240 'special' polling stations, 50 'pink' polling stations managed by women, and 43 polling stations accessible to persons with disabilities. Additionally, 45 'green' polling stations promote environmental awareness, with 29 located near the Line of Control and the International Border for border residents, as well as 33 'unique' polling stations catering to diverse community needs.

“The voting and the result both will be historic. BJP will win with a huge margin,” asserts BJP candidate Chander Prakash Ganga from the Vijaypur Assembly seat.

Independent candidate Shoaib Nabi Lone expressed his emotions after casting his vote as the first voter. He stated, “It is an emotional moment for me. The Election Commission has done a beautiful thing... the first voter will plant a tree. We wish all the voters the best of luck, and I feel that polling will go well today, and we will win. People expect a lot from us. If we are voted to power, we have a lot of work to do for the public. There are high expectations from the people.”

Approximately 39.18 lakh voters are set to determine the outcomes for 415 candidates in the third phase of elections across three districts in the Kashmir valley—Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora—and four districts in the Jammu region—Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba. Among the total voters, there are 20.09 lakh males, 19.09 lakh females, and 57 individuals identifying as third-gender.

Congress candidate Yogesh Sawhney for Jammu East, this morning, expressed confidence that secularism will prevail in the upcoming elections, stating that voters will seek to hold the BJP accountable for what he described as "atrocities" over the past decade.

"Secularism will win and people will take revenge through their votes for the atrocities committed by the BJP in the last 10 years. Congress did not say that we will bring Article 370, but we will demand that the youth of Jammu should get their jobs and their lands should also be safe. Statehood should be restored. My appeal to the people is that we are fighting for the truth and I request people to go and vote and not sit at home...", he said.

For the current phase of the elections, a total of 5,060 polling stations have been established across the participating districts. Each polling station will be staffed by a team of four election officials, which includes a Presiding Officer. This amounts to over 20,000 polling staff deployed for this phase, ensuring that the electoral process runs smoothly and efficiently. The significant staffing reflects the importance of these elections and the efforts made to facilitate voter participation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site X, this morning, encouraging participation in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He wrote, "Today is the third and last round of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. I request all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make the festival of democracy a success. I am confident that apart from the young friends who are going to vote for the first time, women power will also participate in the voting in large numbers".

As he cast his vote at a polling booth in Jammu, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), addressed ongoing concerns in the region. He stated, "There are some issues that have been ongoing since 1947, and everyone has different concerns. However, the current issues that have persisted for the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir are related to statehood. Alongside this, another major issue is unemployment, especially affecting the educated youth. The future of our children is at risk." Azad's comments reflect the pressing challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir as they participate in the electoral process.

Taking to microblogging site X, Home Minister Amit Shah stated early this morning, "Jammu and Kashmir needs a government that is visionary and can take strong decisions for security, peace and stability here. Today, the people voting here in the last phase should use their vote power to form a government that keeps Jammu and Kashmir away from terrorism, separatism, nepotism and corruption and is determined to protect the rights of every section. Cast a historic vote for tourism, education, employment and all-round development in Jammu and Kashmir."

Mock polling is currently underway at polling booth no. 79 in the Jammu North constituency. This seat is witnessing a competitive race with notable candidates from key political parties. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has fielded Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has put forward Darshan Kumar Magotra. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Sham Lal Sharma.

A key highlight and crucial deciding factor in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir polls will be the participation of Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community. These groups were granted voting rights in the union territory following the abrogation of Article 370. This marks a significant shift in the electoral dynamics, as these communities, previously disenfranchised, now have the opportunity to influence the outcome of the elections.

Several former Jammu and Kashmir ministers are in the fray - Raman Bhalla is contesting from R S Pura, while Usman Majid is running for the Bandipora seat. Nazir Ahmad Khan is in the race for Gurez, and Taj Mohiuddin is contesting from Uri. In Wagoora-Kreeri, Basharat Bukhari is a key contender, and Imran Ansari is vying for the Pattan seat. Ghulam Hassan Mir is running in Gulmarg, while Choudhary Lal Singh is contesting in Basohli. These candidates, with their political experience and strong local presence, are expected to be major players in this phase of the elections.

In Phase 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir polls, some of the most prominent candidates include Sajjad Lone, chairman of the People's Conference and a former minister, as well as Dev Singh, president of the National Panthers Party India. Sajjad Lone is contesting from two seats in Kupwara, making him a key figure in this phase, while Dev Singh is vying for the Chenani seat in Udhampur.

In the Kashmir division, Kupwara district comprises 16 assembly constituencies, including Karnah, Tregham, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara, and Langate. Baramulla district includes Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Wagoora-Kreeri, and Pattan constituencies. In Bandipora district, there are three segments: Sonawari, Bandipora, and Gurez (ST).

In the Jammu division, Jammu district leads with 11 assembly segments. These include Bishnah-SC, Suchetgarh-SC, R S Pura, Jammu South, Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Akhnoor-SC, and Chhamb. Following that, Kathua district has six seats: Bani, Billawar, Basohli, Jasrota, Kathua-SC, and Hiranagar. Udhampur district comprises four constituencies: Udhampur West, Udhampur East, Chenani, and Ramnagar-SC. Lastly, Samba district has three segments: Ramgarh-SC, Samba, and Vijaypur.

In the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, over 3.9 million voters are expected to cast their ballots across 40 constituencies - 24 in the Jammu region and 16 in the Kashmir valley. Voting is set to begin at 7 am today and continue until 7 pm, with 5,060 polling stations established by the Election Commission of India to facilitate the process.