Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah is reportedly leading from both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies.
In Budgam, Abdullah is pitted against PDP’s Agha Syed Muntasir, cousin of NC leader and MP Agha Syed Rooullah Mehdi.
In Ganderbal, a family bastion of Abdullah's that was represented by his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah, father Farooq Abdullah and himself in the past, he is facing PDP candidate Bashir Mir. The contest in Ganderbal is said to be tight for Abdullah as Mir is considered a local hero.
Ganderbal was represented by Ishfaq Jabbar, who was a new entrant to the NC, in 2014 Assembly elections. Though he won the seat, Jabbar was expelled from NC for anti-party activities in April 2023.
Other prominent candidates who lead the race from Jammu include Khalid Najib Suharwardy of NC from Doda, Tariq Karra of Congress from Central Shalteng and Altaf Bukhari of Jammu and Kashmir Apni in Channapora.
The state is witnessing a neck-and-neck contest with BJP leading in 28 seats and Congress over 35. Independents, who are expected to play a major role, are leading in 12 seats.
The counting of votes began at 8 am with postal ballots being opened first. The counting of votes polled through EVMs will start half an hour later.