The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections reported an impressive 65 per cent voter turnout as of 7 pm, with the numbers likely to rise as polling continued at some locations.
A total of 40 assembly seats went to polls—16 in North Kashmir’s Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, and 24 in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba, the BJP's stronghold. The BJP won all the seats in this region during the last assembly polls, but this time, the Congress is mounting a strong challenge in several constituencies.
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Observers suggest that the party winning the majority of the 24 seats in Jammu will likely determine who leads the formation of the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Congress and NC alliance had an advantage in the first two phases, but the outcome of the last phase hinges on Congress' performance in Jammu.
The first two phases saw voter participation of 61.13% and 59.11%, respectively.
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“The polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections concluded today in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. Scenes of voters patiently waiting in lines at polling stations, set against the scenic backdrop of the region, highlighted the people's strong faith in democracy. The festive mood and enthusiastic participation were evident across all districts, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era, with people deciding their own future,” the ECI said in a statement.
The statement added that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, fulfilled their promise to restore democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Voting commenced at 7 am across the 40 constituencies and proceeded peacefully.
The 2024 assembly elections saw a 7% increase in candidates compared to 2014.
"Women candidates made significant progress, rising from 28 in 2014 to 43 in 2024, while independent candidates increased by 26%. For the first time, nine seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) after the delimitation exercise, making this election more inclusive," the ECI statement said.
Specific voter turnout at constituencies
As of 7 pm, specific voter turnout percentages included: Akhnoor (SC) 76.28%, Bahu 57.07%, Bandipora 62%, Bani 71.24%, Baramulla 47.95%, Basohli 67.24%, Billawar 69.64%, Bishnah (SC) 72.75%, Chenani 73.79%, Chhamb 77.35%, Gulmarg 64.19%, Gurez (ST) 75.89%, Handwara 69.06%, Hiranagar 71.18%, Jammu East 60.21%, Jammu North 60.79%, and Jammu West 56.31%.
Also, Jasrota recorded 71.79% voter turnout, Karnah 66.30%, Kathua (SC) 71.49%, Kupwara 59.68%, Langate 59.81%, Lolab 61.22%, Marh (SC) 76.10%, Nagrota 72.94%, Pattan 60.87%, RS Pura (Jammu South) 61.65%, Rafiabad 58.39%, Ramgarh (SC) 73.10%, Ramnagar (SC) 70.38%, Samba 71.16%, Sonawari 65.56%, Sopore 41.44%, Suchetgarh (SC) 68.02%, Trehgam 62.27%, Udhampur East 74.07%, Udhampur West 73.20%, Uri 64.81%, Vijaypur 73.05%, and Wagoora-Kreeri 56.43%.
For the first time in a decade, assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, with 40 assembly seats in play.
In the lead-up to the final phase, both Congress and the BJP intensified their campaigns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple rallies, including one at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, calling the elections a historic opportunity for the people and expressing confidence that the BJP would form a majority government.
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi led the Congress campaign. Priyanka Gandhi promised to restore statehood if Congress was elected while addressing issues like rising power bills, unemployment, and concerns over outsiders taking local jobs.
The conclusion of these elections marks the people's long-standing demand for a representative government, moving away from bureaucratic rule. The election process resembled a carnival, with vigorous efforts by parties to secure votes.
The BJP campaigned across Kashmir and Muslim-majority areas of Jammu, while the National Conference campaigned in North and Central Kashmir and Jammu. Farooq and Omar Abdullah, along with Rahul Gandhi, campaigned extensively.
A controversial moment came with the release of Engineer Rashid, MP from Baramulla, just before the polls. The CPI and Congress alleged his release was orchestrated by the BJP to split the vote in the Valley. Rashid dismissed these claims, citing his prior victory over Sajjad Lone in parliamentary polls by a margin of 2.5 lakh votes.
As the fate of 90 assembly seats is now sealed, the question of who will emerge victorious remains. However, the elections showcased strong public engagement, with voters demanding a government that will address their needs.