Voting for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began today, with 11.11% of voters casting their ballots in the first two hours, according to figures released by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Highest Turnout Recorded in Inderwal Constituency
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The Inderwal Assembly constituency in Kishtwar district led the pack with a 16% voter turnout, followed closely by Kishtwar at 15.02%, and Doda West at 13.56%.
Constituency-Wise Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the voter turnout in various constituencies:
– Anantnag: 6%
– Anantnag West: 8.55%
– Banihal: 11%
– Bhaderwah: 12.52%
– D.H.Pora: 11.10%
– Devsar: 10.25%
– Doda: 12.80%
– Dooru: 10.42%
– Inderwal: 16.01%
– Kulgam: 10.98%
– Paddar-Nagseni: 12.62%
– Pahalgam: 12.56%
– Pampore: 8.81%
– Pulwama: 10.60%
– Rajpora: 9.97%
– Ramban: 13.08%
– Shangus-Anantnag East: 10.28%
– Shopian: 13%
– Srigufwara-Bijbehara: 11.60%
– Tral: 7.33%
– Zainpora: 10%
Youth and Women Drive Voter Enthusiasm
First-time voters and women are driving the enthusiasm at polling stations, with many citing jobs, infrastructure development, and basic amenities as their primary concerns. Article 370, a contentious issue for older generations, seems to hold less significance for younger voters.
“We’re voting for jobs, better healthcare, roads, connectivity, and safe drinking water,” said Amir, an educated youth seeking employment. “Kashmir needs a strong government to address our real issues, not hollow promises.”
The main contest in this phase is between the BJP and the NC-Congress alliance, with the PDP also in the running. Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly has 90 seats, comprising 47 from the Valley and 43 from the Jammu division, including nine ST and seven SC seats. Voting will continue until 6 p.m. today.
