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..."