Final Phase Of Jammu & Kashmir Elections; Leaders Urge Voters To Make Their Voices Heard

As the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections unfolds on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens, particularly first-time voters and women, to participate in large numbers.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister encouraged voters to turn out and contribute to the festival of democracy.

“Today is the third and final phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. I urge all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make this festival of democracy a success. I am confident that, along with the young first-time voters, women will actively participate in the voting process,” PM Modi stated, expressing optimism that voter enthusiasm would remain high in this decisive phase.

Amit Shah Calls For Visionary Government To Ensure Security & Stability

Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a government that prioritizes security and stability in the region.

Shah, also taking to X, highlighted the significance of electing a government that would steer Jammu and Kashmir away from terrorism, corruption, and nepotism.

“Jammu and Kashmir needs a government that is both visionary and capable of making strong decisions for its security, peace, and stability,” Shah posted.

He further added, “Today, the people voting in the final phase should use the power of their vote to elect a government that will keep Jammu and Kashmir free from terrorism, separatism, nepotism, and corruption, and one that is firmly committed to protecting the rights of every section of society. Cast a historic vote for tourism, education, employment, and all-round development in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Kharge Urges Voters To Challenge Article 370 Revocation

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge used this moment to remind voters of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 and urged citizens to make their voices heard.

Taking to X, Kharge stressed the importance of this final voting phase as a chance for the electorate to challenge the government’s decision to revoke Article 370.

“As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers. This is the final chance to teach a lesson to those who snatched statehood from the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Kharge remarked.

He further posted, “Remember, that a single vote can change your destiny and usher in a brighter future, which secures your Constitutional rights. A single vote is valuable enough to ensure better employment opportunities for the young, take on the corrupt, safeguard your land rights and ensure progress and prosperity.”

Jammu & Kashmir Elections Key Takeaways:

Polling for the third and final phase commenced early on Tuesday across 40 Assembly constituencies; 24 in Jammu and 16 in the Kashmir Valley.

Over 3.9 million voters are likely to participate, with 415 candidates competing, including prominent figures such as former Deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig.

The Election Commission has reported robust security arrangements to ensure a smooth voting process, which will continue until 6 PM.

This election, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, holds great significance for the region.

The election campaign, which saw intense rallies from major political players including the BJP, Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), focused on issues ranging from terrorism and Article 370 to local development and employment.

High-profile leaders, including PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, played active roles in the campaign trail.

Voter turnout in the first and second phases, held on September 18 and 25, was recorded at 61% and 57.31%, respectively.

As the final ballots cast today, the anticipation builds ahead of the vote counting scheduled for 8 October.

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