J&K 1st phase polling concludes; Kishtwar records highest voter turnout
The first phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir concluded on Wednesday, with a voter turnout of 59.19% recorded till 5:00pm. The Election Commission of India (ECI) data revealed that Kishtwar witnessed the highest participation at 77.23%, followed by Doda (69.33%), Ramban (67.71%), Kulgam (59.62%), Shopian (53.64%) and Anantnag (54.17%). Pulwama reported the lowest voter turnout at 43.87%.
High voter enthusiasm in J&K's 1st assembly elections
The first phase of the polls covered 24 assembly constituencies, including 16 seats in the Kashmir region and eight in the Jammu region. The second and third phases are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively, with vote counting set to take place on October 8. This is the first election since Article 370 was abrogated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre on August 5, 2019.
Political dynamics and key players in J&K elections
The political landscape of J&K is witnessing a dynamic contest with several parties and independent candidates vying for power. The National Congress and Congress have formed an alliance, although they are also engaging in friendly contests on some seats. The release of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, from jail has added another layer to the election dynamics. His party, the Awami Ittehad Party, is also participating in these polls.
Officials predict record-breaking voter turnout in J&K
Additionally, Iltija Mufti—daughter of PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti—is making her electoral debut from Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency. Veteran CPI-M leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami is seeking a fifth consecutive term from the Kulgam seat. In Pulwama, a contest between PDP youth leader Waheed ur Rehman Para and former party veteran Mohammad Khalil Band of the NC is garnering significant attention. Shagun Parihar, whose father Ajit Parihar and uncle Anil Parihar were assassinated by militants in 2018, is the BJP's candidate from Kishtwar.
