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
Also Read: Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Elections: Candidates With Criminal Cases In The Spotlight
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%.
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%
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.
PM Narendra Modi met Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC…
The student group 'Shaher-E-Arzoo' expressed firm support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a…
The 27% tariff hike by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods will have only…
Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in both Houses of Parliament, celebrations…
India’s forex reserves jumped $6.6 billion to a five-month high of $665.4 billion for the…
Gautam Buddha Nagar Police, led by CP Laxmi Singh, achieved a historic feat with all…