The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded a 56 per cent voter turnout. The first phase, held on September 18, had seen over 61 per cent polling.
Addressing a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P.K. Pole said the tentative figures suggest that phase-2 of the assembly elections recorded 54.11 per cent polling. The figure is seven per cent less than the first phase.
“The total percentage for phase two is 56 per cent. The figure is tentative as polling is still underway at some places,” Pole said.
He said for the second phase, 3502 polling booths were set up and almost 15000 polling officials including observers and other staff were deployed in six districts of the UT.
The CEO said that phase-2 of the assembly polls has surpassed the turnout recorded in the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year.
About the foreign delegations' visit to Kashmir, Pole said the diplomats visited four to five polling stations and expressed satisfaction with the poll process.
“Our officers explained to them the preparations made and the process of how elections are being conducted,” he said
In the second phase, elections were held in 26 constituencies — 15 in Kashmir and 11 in Jammu.
Some key candidates whose fate was sealed in today’s election included National Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, BJP state president Ravinder Raina, J&K Apni Party (JKAP) leader Altaf Bukhari, and JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra.
Polling started slowly but picked up as the day progressed. However, some constituencies in Srinagar saw lower voter turnout compared to others. In contrast, high turnout was recorded in the constituencies of Jammu, Reasi, Ghulabgarh, Mata Vaishno Devi, Muslim-majority Kalakote, Rajouri, Nowshera, Budhal, Thanamandi, Surankote, Poonch-Haveli, and Mendhar.
Voters were seen lining up at polling stations early in the day, and long queues formed as the day went on. As in the first phase, voters said they wanted a representative government.
"We want change," said Anwar Ahmed, a voter in Rajbagh, Srinagar. "When we elect a government, our youth, affected by drugs and unemployment, will at least receive employment opportunities."
He said that at least the MLAs would listen to them. "Unemployed boys with degrees are driving auto-rickshaws on loans from banks," he said. "That’s why I want change, so there are employment opportunities.”
Another voter, Mohsin Ahmed, said he came to cast his vote to exercise his democratic right. "I am very happy that after 10 years, elections are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
He pointed out that the elected government will be accountable to the people, unlike the Lieutenant Governor's administration. "We are struggling with inflation, taxes, and joblessness," he said. "The new government will make people-friendly policies because they understand the issues we face."
Saira Begum, a voter from Mehjoor Nagar, highlighted how rising electricity bills have upset their household budget. "The price of gas has gone up multiple times, and power bills are huge," she said. "All parties have promised 200 units of free electricity, which will be a big relief."
