Voting for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections kicked off on Wednesday, with many first-time voters expressing hope for change and eager to see new leadership prioritize their concerns. After a decade without elections, young voters in constituencies like Kulgam are casting their ballots with excitement.
Aryan Jamwal, a 22-year-old first-time voter from Kulgam Constituency, shared his expectations, saying, “We’re voting for the party that can bring change, create employment, and work towards development in our region.” Another young voter echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the convenience of voting despite long queues due to public enthusiasm.
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Mayur, another first-time voter, emphasized the need for a leader who prioritizes youth concerns, particularly unemployment. “Many young people have to migrate to other places for jobs. We hope our chosen leader will provide employment opportunities,” he said.
Komal, another first-time voter, stressed the importance of participating in the electoral process.
Seven districts are casting their votes in this first phase, marking the first Assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 ¹. The elections are scheduled to take place in three phases, concluding on October 1, with the results to be declared on October 8.
The Assembly has 90 seats, with 47 in the Kashmir division and 43 in the Jammu division ¹. Key issues driving voter enthusiasm include unemployment, regional development, and the restoration of statehood.
The main contest is between the BJP and the NC-Congress alliance, with the PDP also in the running ¹. The election outcome will be crucial in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
