Jammu and Kashmir Election 2024 highlights : J&K sees 61.13% turnout in first phase of elections

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Jammu and Kashmir Election: Voter turnout stands at 58.85%

As of 7:30 PM, in phase-I elections, the voter turnout stands at 58.85% with Kishtwar witnessing the highest voting percentage - 77.23% and Pulwama the lowest - 46.03% (approximate): Election Commission of India

Jammu and Kashmir Election: EVM being sealed at a booth in Pulwama as polling concludes

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Kishtwar leads with 70.03% voter turnout

With a turnout of 61.90%, Doda witnessed robust voter participation in Jammu and Kashmir’s first phase. Ramban maintained a healthy voter turnout, with over 60% of eligible voters casting their ballots.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Voter turnout across districts till 5 pm

Voter turnout varied across districts as of 5pm, with Kishtwar leading at 77.23%, followed by Doda at 69.33% and Ramban at 67.71%. Kulgam recorded 59.62%, Anantnag 54.17%, Shopian 53.64%, and Pulwama reported the lowest turnout of 43.87%.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: It will be a toothless government, says Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir

"People have decided to peacefully cast their votes as there was no democracy here. It is important that people choose their representatives. Even though it will be a toothless government in UT..." says Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Excitement among people palpable: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, "... People have voted in large numbers and excitement among people is palpable... This is a festival of democracy in its true sense and people of J&K are able to experience it for the first time..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Mehbooba Mufti casts vote at polling station in Bijbehara

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti arrived at a polling station in Jammu and Kashmir's Bijbehara to cast her vote in the first phase of Assembly polls.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Kishtwar leads In turnout with 70.03% voter participation

With a turnout of 61.90%, Doda witnessed robust voter participation in Jammu and Kashmir’s first phase. Ramban maintained a healthy voter turnout, with over 60% of eligible voters casting their ballots.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Happy many came forward to vote, says PDP's Iltija Mufti

Happy that many came forward to vote, says PDP candidate Iltija Mufti

Jammu and Kashmir Election: INDIA bloc candidate will win in Poonch, says Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the INDIA Bloc candidate will win in Poonch and said the Congress Party has always been strong here. “I think the INDIA alliance government will be formed here, BJP itself is contesting the elections and has fielded many proxy candidates so that the votes can be divided but the voters here understand this politics,” Pilot said.

“No matter how much effort they make in Jammu and Kashmir, people are not liking them here,” he said referring to BJP.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: PDP will be south Kashmir’s number one party, says Mufti

“PDP will emerge as the number one party in South Kashmir,” Mehbooba Mufti told reporters in Anantnag.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: BJP knows it will lose in Haryana, J&K, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, says Harish Singh Rawat

"BJP has realised that this fact that they will lose elections in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. After losing one state after another, BJP was not in a position to sustain that pressure that would've resulted in collapse of their coalition government. That's why the 'ghabrayi hui' government has opted for 'one nation, one election' formula," says Congress leader Harish Singh Rawat.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: After 10 years people are getting chance to elect their leaders, says PDP candidate

PDP candidate from Devsar constituency, Mohammad Sartaj Madni says, "After 10 years the people here are getting the chance to elect their leaders...We are in the field and trust the people and the god...Our party is doing a lot of things for the youths here..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: LG's administration corrupt, unemployment high, says Iltija Mufti

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti, who is contesting from Jammu and Kashmir's Bijbehara Assembly seat, said people deserved to have their elected representatives and alleged that the Lt Governor's administration was "corrupt".

"It's a welcome step because there's a lot of dissatisfaction here and everybody here is disgruntled. We have seen the Lt Governor administration and they've been so corrupt. The corruption here is monumental, unemployment is at 39 per cent. People deserve to have their elected representatives and therefore, it's a welcome step," Mufti told PTI.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Turnout across key constituencies till 3 pm

Voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Jammu and Kashmir, as per the Election Commission of India.

Anantnag-46.67%

Doda- 61.90%

Kishtwar-70.03%

Kulgam-50.57%

Pulwama-36.90%

Ramban-60.04%

Shopian-46.84%

Jammu and Kashmir Election: J&K polls organised in three phases, they are talking about One Nation, One Election: Congress MP

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa says, "J&K elections are being organised in three phases and they are talking about One Nation, One Election, I don't know what does this mean...AAP party is the B team of the BJP and when the time comes everyone will agree...Congress will win the Haryana and J&K elections..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: 41.17% turnout till 1pm, says EC

A voter turnout of 41.17 per cent has been recorded till 1 pm  in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.

According to officials, the maximum voting percentage among the 16 assembly segments in the Kashmir valley was recorded in Pahalgam at 47.68 per cent. It was followed by D H Pora at 43.66 per cent, Dooru at 41.30 per cent, and Kokernag (ST) at 41 per cent.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: 103-year-old woman voter casts vote

A 103-year-old woman voter cast her vote at polling station 14-Poohie Khurd 50-Padder Nagseni. Her enduring spirit is truly inspiring, says EC.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: People had to wait for long for Assembly elections, says JKNC candidate

“People of Jammu and Kashmir had to wait for long for Assembly elections. We are thankful to the Supreme Court of India and the Election Commission of India. People will now get the opportunity to vote for the government they want to come into power,” says JKNC candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly constituency Pooja Thakur.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Want to congratulate EC, says Independent candidate from Pulwama

Independent candidate from Pulwama Assembly Constituency, Mohammad Ayoub Mir says "I want to congratulate the Election Commission of India for starting the election process in J&K after 10 years. It is my appeal to the voters that it is their right to cast their votes and they should exercise it..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Will raise all issues, says PDP chief's daughter Iltija Mufti

Iltija Mufti, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter and party candidate for the Bijbehara Assembly constituency, said, “People here felt hopeless due to the lack of elections over the past 10 years, which has led to increased corruption and red tape. However, the issues affecting the people will soon be addressed in the Assembly and resolved.”

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Remember who is responsible for travesty of downgrading state to UT: Kharge to voters

Remember who is responsible for travesty of downgrading state to UT: Kharge to J&K voters

Jammu and Kashmir Election: BJP candidate Shagun Parihar casts vote, says party will achieve 'resounding' victory

BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, on Wednesday cast her vote here as she expressed confidence in securing the seat in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections which are being held after a gap of a decade. Shagun (29), whose father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar were shot dead by terrorists in November 2018, said she is confident that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will "achieve a resounding victory in these elections and form a government in Jammu and Kashmir".

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Kashmir is at number 2 in unemployment, says Congress leader

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal says, "BJP made many promises to J&K when Article 370 was abrogated but today the situation is such that Kashmir is at number 2 in unemployment. This has not happened anywhere else in the country. In 2005 the unemployment rate here was 5.67% and now it has gone up three times."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Here the key candidates in Jammu

In Jammu, trying their luck are former ministers Sajjad Kitchloo (NC), Khalid Najib Suharwardy (NC) Vikar Rasool Wani (Congress), Abdul Majid Wani (DPAP), Sunil Sharma (BJP), Shakti Raj Parihar (Doda west), and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, a three-time MLA who is fighting as an Independent after he was denied ticket by DPAP which he had joined after quitting Congress in support of Ghulam Nabi Azad two years ago.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Under PM Modi's leadership a new chapter of development is being written in J&K, says CM Dhami

Addressing a public gathering to campaign for  BJP candidate Jeevan Lal, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "Today we are witnessing a historical moment as elections for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is underway. People are coming out to vote in large numbers which shows the public's faith in democracy...Under PM Modi's leadership a new chapter of development is being written in J&K...I am confident that BJP candidate Jeevan Lal will emerge victorious and BJP will form the government in J&K..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's mother casts her vote

Mother of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Gulshan Ara cast her vote for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Strong resentment against central policies, says CPI leader D Raja

On J&K assembly polls, CPI leader D Raja says, "Jammu and Kashmir have gone for polls after a decade and the first phase of polling is underway... There is a strong resentment against the policies pursued by the Union Government... PM Modi and his government's policies have proven to be a disaster for J&K and people are angry about how the statehood was snatched away and split into Union Territories..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Whenever PM Modi visited, people came out in large numbers to listen to him, says BJP incharge of J&K

BJP incharge of J&K and Party National General Secretary Tarun Chugh says, "Whenever he (PM Modi) has visited Jammu and Kashmir, people have come out in large numbers to listen to him and there is a lot of enthusiasm among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, preparations for the programme are going on at war level...In tomorrow's programme, people are coming in large numbers to listen to the Prime Minister. The way the people have decorated the roads and the markets of Srinagar, it shows that Prime Minister Modi has made immense efforts and worked hard for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, to win the trust of the people..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Voting resumes in Kishtwar after brief confusion among voters

Voting was halted for a brief period at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar following a protests over identification of voters.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Turnout across constituencies till 1 pm

Voter turnout recorded till 1 pm in Jammu and Kashmir, as per the Election Commission of India.

Anantnag-37.90%

Doda- 50.81%

Kishtwar-56.86%

Kulgam-39.91%

Pulwama-29.84%

Ramban-49.68%

Shopian-38.72%

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Take part in this celebration of democracy, Vasundhara Raje tells voters 

BJP leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje ha s urged first-time voters to exwecise their franchise in elections. “Voting for the first phase has begun in Jammu & Kashmir. I urge all voters, especially the youth and first-time voters, to step forward, exercise their right, and take part in this celebration of democracy," Raje said in a post on X

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Polling peaceful, incident-free, says J&K CEO P K Pole

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole on Wednesday said polling is proceeding peacefully in the first phase of the assembly elections and is incident-free. He also expressed confidence that turnout will exceed 60 per cent.

"Polling is being conducted on a large scale. The way polling is progressing indicates a high turnout. We anticipate over 60 per cent polling. So far, the polling has been peaceful and incident-free," Pole told PTI.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Lot of development in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370, says BJP candidate

After casting his vote, BJP candidate from Ramban assembly constituency, Rakesh Thakur says, "...After the abrogation of Article 370, a lot of development has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir and we went among the people with those development works in the elections... BJP government will be formed in Jammu and Kashmir ..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Over 35,000 Kashmiri pandits eligible for voting in first phase: Official

Over 35,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandits from across the country are eligible to vote at 24 polling stations in the first phase of the three-phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Voting halted briefly at Kishtwar polling station

Voting was halted briefly at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar following a protest here over the identification of voters, accordinng to ANI.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Getting huge support from public, says PDP candidate from Damhal Hanji Pora

PDP candidate from Damhal Hanji Pora Assembly constituency, Gulzar Ahmad Dar said, “I am hopeful that I will win the elections as I am getting huge support from the public…I will work for the development of the region and provide employment opportunities to the youth…”

Jammu and Kashmir Election: PDP workers tried to push me, says BJP candidate from Kishtwar

BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar says, "The (PDP) candidate came here and said this girl is playing the victim card and trying to get sympathy. I felt bad. I said why would I play the victim card and said you have made me a victim. They tried to push me. PDP and National Conference workers entered the place where voting was taking place..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Lot of enthusiasm among public, says NC candidate from Rajpora

After casting his vote, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from the Rajpora Assembly constituency, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir says, "There is a lot of enthusiasm among the public and people are coming out to vote in large numbers...I appeal to everyone to vote and elect their representative so that their concerns can be heard..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Congress expels its leader for fighting as independent

The Congress in Jammu and Kashmir has expelled a district unit president and some other leaders from the basic membership of the party for going against the spirit of its alliance with the National Conference (NC) and contesting as Independents in the Assembly polls.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Here are the key parties in fray

Major political parties contesting the assembly elections include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A last-minute alliance was stitched between Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and  Jamaat-e-Islami, but their candidates will contest as Independents.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: 14,000 polling staff overseeing 3,276 stations

The officials said a total of 14,000 polling staff will oversee the process at 3,276 polling stations.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Your every vote will strengthen Jammu and Kashmir: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

“My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, In the last ten years, everything has been snatched from you. Statehood was snatched, the right to vote and elect a government was snatched, the identity and self-respect of Jammu and Kashmir was snatched. Today is the time to change this. Your every vote will strengthen Jammu and Kashmir and your rights. Use your right to vote in maximum numbers and make India win with a huge majority,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote in an X post.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Time to strengthen democracy, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all those in constituencies going to the polls in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy.

“I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise," Modi said in a post on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: 'Independent candidates are looked at with suspicion'

"Independent candidates are looked at with suspicion, speculation on switching sides," says senior journalist Javed M Ansari with more than 40% of independent candidates fighting the polls.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Elections have ended people's long wait, says BJP candidate

“The long wait of the people has ended today. I am happy that they will be able to elect the government,” said Sunil Sharma, BJP candidate from Padder Nagseni assembly constituency.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Elections are directly a support towards PM Modi, says BJP candidate from Padder-Nagseni

BJP candidate from Padder-Nagseni Assembly Constituency, Sunil Sharma said, “I want to congratulate the voters, the way people are coming out of their homes and exercising their franchise, all this shows that people have a lot of faith in democracy and the way people are voting in large numbers is good news for the Bharatiya Janata Party. You must have seen that whenever the percentage was low here, Congress or National Conference or PDP used to win. Because they got protection from terrorists… Today people are participating in the elections with an open heart and the elections are directly a support and dedication towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi…”

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Vote against separatism, joblessness, says Amit Shah

"Today, my appeal to the voters going to exercise their franchise in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to education of the youth, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region," the BJP leader Amit Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Getting very good response, says NC candidate

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference candidate from Damhal Hanjipora Assembly constituency, Sakina Itoo says, "...We are getting very good response and the public is coming out to cast their vote in large numbers...I am hopeful that the voters will elect me..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Urge everyone to come out in large numbers, says Independent candidate from Ramban

After casting his vote, Independent candidate from the Ramban Assembly constituency, Suraj Singh Parihar says, "I appeal to everyone to come out in large numbers and cast their vote for the development of Ramban..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Confident of victory, says Congress' Vikar Rasool Wani from Banihal

Former president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Vikar Rasool Wani, a former minister who won the Banihal constituency seat in the 2008 and 2014 elections, has expressed confidence in securing the seat for a third consecutive term.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: 10 years gave us the time to think, says Independent candidate

“In a positive way, these 10 years gave us the time to think and decide whom we want to vote considering the situation,” says Independent candidate from Pulwama Assembly constituency backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, Talat Majid.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Kishtwar records lowest voter turnout till 11 am

Kishtwar Assembly constituency recorded the lowest voter turnout at 26.38% till 11 AM, while the Inderwal seat registered the highest voting percentage with  40.36%.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Give credit to PM Modi, says BJP candidate from Shopian constituency

BJP candidate from Shopian Assembly constituency, Javaid Ahmad Qadri says, "I give the credit to PM Modi who has played a big role in improving the situation in J&K. People in large numbers are coming out to cast their votes...The central government has worked a lot to ensure the development of Shopian...Before the abrogation of Article 370, only some families used to cast their votes but today the common man is coming out to vote in large numbers..."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Voter turnout till 11 am across constituencies

Jammu and Kashmir 1st phase Assembly elections: 26.72% voter turnout recorded till 11 am, as per the Election Commission of India.

Anantnag-25.55%

Doda- 32.30%

Kishtwar-32.69%

Kulgam-25.95%

Pulwama-20.37%

Ramban-31.25%

Shopian-25.96%

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Looking back at 2014 polls

In 2014 assembly elections, Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP had won 11 seats of the 24 seats voting today. The BJP and Congress four each while the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference and CPI(M) had one one seat each.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: NC-Congress will form government in J&K: Bihar Congress President

"National Conference-Congress will form the government in J&K. People want to defeat the BJP. The family that has been the victim of terrorism, Rahul Gandhi's grandmother and father was assassinated, and he was being called terrorist, and the statement came from the grandson of Late Beant Singh who was made CM by the Congress. If there is morality in the PM, the Minister should be immediately removed," says Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Doda west records highest turnout till 9.30 am

Doda West Assembly constituency recorded the highest voter turnout with 13.56% till 9:30 AM. Voting is underway in 24 constituencies of seven districts in the first phase of the three-phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Vote represents change, says voter

"The vote represents a change. Today, after ten years, we have an election here, and we thank the Central Government and the LG for providing this opportunity..." says a voter.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina urges youth, senior citizens to vote

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed his support and encouragement for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Raina conveyed his best wishes to the people of the region, urging both the youth and senior citizens to actively participate in the electoral process.

Jammu and Kashmir Election : Kashmiri migrant voters cast votes under high security

Kashmiri migrant voters cast their votes under high security in Jammu.

Jammu and Kashmir Election : Want statehood, special status, says NC candidate from Doda

"We want statehood and special status here," says NC candidate from Doda Assembly constituency

Jammu and Kashmir Election Live: People of J&K are hoping for change and relief, says CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami

Expressing satisfaction over assembly elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir, CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said that people of the union territory are now hoping for a change and relief. He added that the delayed electoral process created discontent amongst the people in J&K.

Jammu and Kashmir Election Live: Pulwama sees peaceful voting

"Polling is going on very smoothly in all 4 Assembly constituencies and all our sector magistrates, zonal magistrates are also in the field. I am also visiting the polling stations and there is a lot of enthusiasm among our voters and voting is going on smoothly," said Pulwama Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Basharat Qayoom.

Jammu and Kashmir Election Live: Control room set up in Kulgam

An election control room has been set up to monitor the election process in the Kulgam district.

Jammu and Kashmir Election Live: Voters queue up at polling booth in Bijbehara

Voters queue up at a polling booth in Bijbehara, Anantnag as they await their turn to cast their vote. Congress has fielded Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, BJP has fielded Syed Peerzada Wajahat Hussain and PDP has fielded Mehboob Beg, from the Anantnag seat.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Avoid splitting ballot, says Omar Abdullah

National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed hope that voters in Jammu and Kashmir would avoid "fragmentation of their votes", warning that many independent candidates in the Valley were contesting with the aim to divide the ballot. "People will have to keep it (a huge number of independent candidates contesting) in mind, because most of these candidates are in Kashmir. It seems it is an attempt to fragment votes and divide people.

"I hope the voters will remain cautious of these and avoid fragmentation of their votes in this election," Abdullah told PTI.

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Exercise your democratic right, vote for INDIA, says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi's post on X:

My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is taking place in the state.

For the first time in the history of the country, the statehood of a state has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of the constitutional rights of all of you, it is an insult to Jammu and Kashmir.

Your every vote went to India

- Will restore your rights

- will bring employment opportunities

- It will make women stronger

- Will bring you out of the 'Injustice Era'

…will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again.

Today, come out of your homes in large numbers and exercise your democratic right – vote for INDIA.

Jammu and Kashmir Election Live: We want to win and serve the people, says BJP candidate

BJP candidate from Shangus-Anantnag East Assembly Constituency Veer Saraf says, "Voting is going on peacefully everywhere, complaints were received from one or two places, we immediately informed the nodal officers and the issues were also resolved. We all hope that we will get good results. We want to win and serve the people. I appeal to the youth to see which government has brought peace here and choose a government that is sympathetic to the people, choose a government that is working for the people. The results will be very stunning."

Jammu and Kashmir Election: Especially urge youth, women and first-time voters to vote in large numbers, says LG Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha says, "J&K Assembly elections commence today. I call upon all the voters whose assembly constituencies are voting in the first phase today to turn out in record numbers & exercise their democratic rights. I especially urge youth, women and first-time voters to vote in large numbers."

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Voting underway in free and fair manner: District poll officer

On J&K Assembly Election Phase-1, District Election Officer Harvinder Singh said, “Voting has started in polling stations. We are getting to see a lot of enthusiasm from the people. I hope that this time we will be able to record the voter turnout well. A very good polling exercise is going on in a free and fair manner…Those who are sitting at home, they should come out of their houses and exercise their voting rights…”

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Not forgotten what happened with Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, says Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the people have not forgotten the abrogation of special status August 5, 2019. He also expressed hope that people will vote for the NC-Congress alliance.

"We are hoping that people will vote for candidates of our alliance between National Conference and Congress and the one candidate of CPM. Voters will decide. We took our agenda of next five years for Jammu and Kashmir to the people. Let's see what happens. These elections are very important as they are being held after 10 years. Several things changed in these 10 years. Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two. Ladakh was separated from us. We were given status of UT (Union Territory) though we don't know how it benefitted us. We have not forgotten what happened with Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019," Abdullah said.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Big change in Kishtwar, says voter

"I first of all want to say that there has been a very big change in Kishtwar... I would like to vote for Nari Shakti. I want old faces to be changed by new faces," says a woman voter from Kishtwar

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Turnout across key constituencies

Voter turnout across key constituencies.

•Anantnag: 10.26%

•Doda: 12.9%

•Kishtwar: 14.83%​

• Kulgam: 10.7%

• Pulwama: 9.18%

•Ramban: 11.91%

• Shopian: 11.4%

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Hope people will vote against enemies of Kashmir, says Engineer Rashid

“I hope people will vote against the enemies of Kashmir, who only betrayed us. I hope people will consider all the things and will vote for Awami Ittehad Party,” said Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla Engineer Rashid.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Women manage polling station at Kishwar

Voters seen voting at a woman managed polling station, exclusively managed by female staff at Kishwar.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Remember who is responsible for travesty of downgrading state to UT: Kharge to voters

Remember who is responsible for travesty of downgrading state to UT: Kharge to J&K voters

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Who are the key candidates?

Prominent candidates include CPI-M's Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term from Kulgam seat. PDP's Iltija Mufti, daughter of party chief Mehbooba Mufti, is contesting from family bastion Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat. Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para of the PDP is the candidate from Pulwama assembly seat. Para lost Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Srinagar parliamentary seat.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: BJP will be defeated in J&K, says Ashok Gehlot

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot says, "The mood is in favour of Congress party...PM Modi visited J&K and levelled allegations against the three families...It looks like he has already accepted his defeat...BJP will be defeated in J&K..."

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Voting an act of self-preservation, says PDP leader

“The message is to come out and vote, and democratically participate in this festival. Elections are happening after 10 years. For us, voting is an act of self-preservation,” said JKPDP candidate from Pulwama Assembly constituency Waheed Ur Rehman Para.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: CPI(M) Candidate Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami sees high voter excitement in Kulgam

"As far as trends in this constituency are concerned, you can see long queues outside polling booths. Voters are excited because there was no Assembly so many years. People are hopeful and they want to utilise this opportunity," says CPI(M) candidate from Kulgam constituency Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Remember who is responsible for travesty of downgrading state to UT, says Kharge to J-K voters

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged voters in Jammu and Kashmir to remember who is responsible for the "travesty" of downgrading a state to a Union Territory when they cast their vote.

Kharge asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to safeguard their rights and embark on a new era of true development and full statehood.

Voting began for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, as 24 constituencies spread over seven districts of the Union Territory went to polls in Phase 1 amid tight security arrangements. (PTI)

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar cast her vote

BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar says, "I am getting love and blessings from the people. I have faith that the people of Kishtwar will bless their daughter. I am sure they will accept BJP's slogan of 'Sab ka sath, sab ka vishwas, sab ka vikas' and ensure BJP's victory in Kishtwar... Terrorism is a huge issue and the parties like JKNC and PDP have always encouraged it to save their chair. But the common people want peace..."

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Congress candidate from Banihal Vikar Rasool Wani cast his vote

Congress candidate from the Banihal Assembly seat, Vikar Rasool Wani cast his vote at a polling station in Banihal

National Conference has fielded Sajad Shaheen from here, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fielded Imtiaz Ahmed Shan and BJP has fielded Mohd Saleem Bhat.

J&K Elections LIVE: Voting underway for the 1st phase of Assembly elections

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Prominent Jammu Candidates

In Jammu, key candidates include former ministers Sajjad Kitchloo and Khalid Najid Suharwardy from NC, Vikar Rasool Wani from Congress, Abdul Majid Wani from DPAP, Sunil Sharma from BJP, and Shakti Raj Parihar from Doda West. Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, a three-time MLA, is contesting as an independent after being denied a ticket by DPAP, a party he joined after leaving Congress in support of Ghulam Nabi Azad two years ago.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Kishtwar JKNC candidate Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo cast his vote

Kishtwar JKNC candidate from Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo cast his vote at polling station no. 92 at Town Hall, Kishtwar

BJP has fielded Shagun Parihar and PDP has fielded Firdoos Ahmed Tak from the Kishtwar assembly constituency.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: PDP Leader Mohit Bhan criticises post-2019 decisions, predicts public backlash in October 8 results

PDP leader and spokesperson Mohit Bhan criticized the decisions made by Delhi since August 5, 2019, calling them inhumane towards the people of J&K. He noted that the long queues at polling stations are evidence of public discontent. Bhan predicted that the election results on October 8 will reflect a verdict against the August 2019 decisions, highlighting widespread anger and a lack of involvement in decision-making. He emphasised that voters are coming out to express their stance. National Conference has fielded Mohammad Khalil Band in Pulwama, while PDP has selected Abdul Waheed Ur Rehman Para.

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: BJP's Mohd Saleem Bhat praises PM Modi and Election Commission after voting

After casting his vote, BJP's candidate from Banihal Assembly seat, Mohd Saleem Bhat says, "I am happy. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission for conducting the elections here. People here want change and want to vote for development, good health facilities, schools. I appeal to people to come out in large numbers so that development can take place here..."

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Independent Candidate Mohammad Ayoub Mir commends EC for restarting J&K polls

Independent candidate from Pulwama Assembly Constituency, Mohammad Ayoub Mir says "I want to congratulate the Election Commission of India for starting the election progress in J&K after 10 years. It is my appeal to the voters that it is their right to cast their votes and they should exercise it..."

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Security is the biggest issue here, says BJP candidate Shagun Parihar

"Security is the biggest issue here because I don't want what happened with me, to happen with anyone else. I want every daughter here to have her father's blessings...," says BJP candidate from Kishtwar constituency Shagun Parihar.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: BJP Candidate Shagun Parihar prays at home before voting in Kishtwar constituency

BJP candidate from Kishtwar constituency Shagun Parihar offers prayers at her residence ahead of casting vote.

Shagun Parihar's father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar were shot dead by terrorists in November, 2018.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: HM Amit Shah urges high voter turnout, promises focus on development and security

"Only a government with strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there and speed up development work. I appeal to the voters going to vote in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections today to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region. First vote, then refreshment." posts Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: We want unemployment and inflation to end, says a voter

After casting his vote, a voter says, "Today, elections are being held after 10 years. We want unemployment and inflation to end, keeping this in mind, we have voted. We want people to vote in large numbers."

J&K Assembly Election 2024 Live: Key candidates in Kashmir; Check here

In the Kashmir assembly elections, notable candidates include CPI (M)'s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, National Conference's Sakina Itoo, and PDP’s Sartaj Madni and Abdul Rehman Veeri. PDP's Iltija Mufti is engaged in a contest for the Bijbehara seat against NC's Bashir Ahmad Veeri and BJP's Sofi Mohammad Yousuf.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Long queue forms at Pulwama polling booth as voters await their turn

A long queue of voters witnessed at a polling booth in Pulwama, as they await their turn to cast a vote.

Polling for 24 Assembly constituencies across Jammu & Kashmir (16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu), begins.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: PM Modi calls for strong voter turnout, emphasising youth participation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets "As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise."

• Over 35,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandits from across India will have the opportunity to vote at 24 designated polling stations during the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections on Wednesday.
• Polling will take place in 24 assembly constituencies across seven districts to determine the outcome for 219 candidates. The Kashmiri Pandits will vote in 16 constituencies in the southern districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam.
• Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani stated that 35,500 Kashmiri migrant voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 24 special polling stations located in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi for this phase of the elections.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election 2024 Live: Voters begin to arrive at a polling booth in Kulgam