LIVE | J&K Polls: 56% voter turnout in Phase 2; voting peaceful, says CEO
The voting began at 7 am across the 26 Assembly constituencies amidst tight security arrangements
More than 56 per cent of 2.5 million voters exercised their franchise in the second phase of polling for 26 seats in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls on Wednesday (September 25).
The polling passed off peacefully, officials said.
Addressing a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole said the second phase recorded a turnout of 56.05 per cent.
Pole said the percentage was tentative as polling was going on at some places like Hazratbal and Reasi.
Peaceful polling: CEO
He said the polling was peaceful and by and large smooth.
"The polling was overall peaceful. Some stray incidents like arguments, etc. took place, but there is no need for re-poll anywhere," he added.
Voting began at 7 am across the 26 Assembly constituencies amidst tight security arrangements, the officials said. They said these Assembly constituencies are spread over six districts – three in the Valley and as many in the Jammu division.
Voting held across 3,500 polling stations
The Election Commission of India (EC) had established 3,502 polling stations in these segments.
Security personnel comprising police, armed police and central armed paramilitary forces were deployed in strength around the polling stations. A multi-tier security blanket was thrown around each polling station to ensure the voting for the second phase is held in an atmosphere free of fear, officials said.
For the second phase, 157 special polling stations were established – 26 'pink polling stations' managed by women, 26 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons, 26 polling stations manned by youths, 31 border polling stations, 26 green polling stations and 22 unique polling stations, the officials said.
Foreign envoys’ visit
During the second phase, a 16-member delegation of foreign envoys visited the valley to witness the polls.
This is perhaps for the first time since the eruption of insurgency that international observers were allowed to witness the elections in the Union territory.
However, the move drew criticism from former chief minister Omar Abdullah who said the polls in Jammu and Kashmir were an internal matter of the country.
Live Updates
- 25 Sep 2024 3:57 AM GMT
Brisk polling
Brisk polling was witnessed in the first hour and long queues of people were seen outside the polling booths, officials said.
- 25 Sep 2024 3:46 AM GMT
J&K BJP chief votes
J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station during the second phase of J & K Assembly polls, at Lamberi in Nowshera, in Rajouri district, Wednesday, September 25. PTI
- 25 Sep 2024 3:41 AM GMT
Voters queue up outside a polling booth in Lamberi
A security personnel stands guard as people wait to cast their votes at a polling station during the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, at Lamberi in Nowshera, in Rajouri district, Wednesday, September 25. PTI
- 25 Sep 2024 2:19 AM GMT
Amit Shah's appeal to voters
"I appeal to all the voters going to cast their votes in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir election to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir," Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on 'X'. "Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption."
- 25 Sep 2024 2:17 AM GMT
No govt will be formed without PDP support: Mehbooba
People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said the next government in Jammu and Kashmir will be secular and that no government will be formed without the support of her party.
Mufti also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "three families" remark, and said that when the National Conference talked about joining Pakistan, it was Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who held and raised the Indian flag high in Kashmir.
"The government will be secular, and without the PDP, no government will be formed in Jammu and Kashmir. In the (first phase) elections held in South Kashmir, the PDP is emerging as the number one party," Mufti said at a poll rally in Jammu on Tuesday night.
- 25 Sep 2024 2:07 AM GMT
PM's appeal to voters
In a post in Hindi on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play their important role in strengthening democracy. On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time!"
