J&K elections: 24% voter turnout recorded till 11am, phase 2.
The second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir is currently under way, with over 13,000 polling personnel deployed across 3,500 polling stations, covering 26 constituencies. This phase features prominent candidates like former chief minister Omar Abdullah, Altaf Bukhari of the Apni Party, and Ravinder Raina of the BJP, adding to the significance of this stage of the elections.
Polling is taking place in critical regions, including border districts like Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, as well as hill districts such as Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. These areas, particularly Rajouri and Reasi, have been affected by terror attacks since 2021, necessitating heightened security measures. Security forces are maintaining a vigilant presence, especially near the Line of Control (LoC), to ensure that voting proceeds smoothly and without incident.
With the backdrop of security concerns, authorities have placed a special focus on ensuring the safety of voters and polling staff. The large-scale deployment of personnel and heightened vigilance reflect the importance of these elections in maintaining peace and stability in the region. As the voting progresses, the electoral outcome from these sensitive districts will be closely watched, shaping the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Election 2024: Nirmal Singh Confident of Higher Voter Turnout in Second Phase; Calls It “History in the Making”
The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is currently underway, and excitement is building as voters turn out in large numbers across the region. With over 13,000 polling personnel deployed at 3,500 polling stations across 26 constituencies, this phase of voting is being closely monitored. Prominent candidates, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari, and BJP’s Ravinder Raina, are contesting, making this phase a critical one in the political landscape of J&K.
BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Nirmal Singh, expressed his confidence that the voter turnout in this phase will surpass that of the first. Speaking enthusiastically about the electoral process, Singh emphasized that the high voter participation signifies a significant moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
“History in the Making”
Nirmal Singh highlighted the importance of this election, calling it “history in the making.” He proudly noted that people from all walks of life are turning up to cast their votes, marking a stark contrast to previous elections where disruptions and calls for boycotts often hampered participation, especially in sensitive areas.
“People are coming out to vote in large numbers. This is a history in the making. We are very happy that voting is taking place in the entire valley and Jammu with enthusiasm,” Singh said. His statement underscores the symbolic importance of these elections, especially in areas historically affected by violence and separatist movements.
Singh continued, “Be it the valley of Srinagar, be it the high mountain peaks from where the calls for disruption used to come, everywhere people are coming out to vote. Even in areas where there used to be calls for boycotts, there is enthusiasm among voters. It is for the world to see how the elections can take place in J&K in a peaceful, fair manner.”
The focus on peaceful voting is crucial, especially considering the region’s history of insurgency, violence, and calls for independence. According to Singh, the participation of voters in large numbers is not just a local or national achievement but something that sends a message to the international community about the changing dynamics in J&K.
Heightened Security Amid Sensitive Constituencies
Given the challenges posed by the sensitive nature of several constituencies, such as Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, heightened security measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. Rajouri and Reasi, in particular, have witnessed terror attacks since 2021, leading to a beefed-up security presence, especially near the Line of Control (LoC).
As Singh pointed out, the level of enthusiasm among voters, even in historically volatile regions, is a sign of the growing stability and optimism within J&K. The fact that elections are taking place without major disruptions is an achievement in itself. “A large number of diplomats are also around in the area to see the assembly elections,” Singh added, emphasizing the global significance of these elections.
Omar Abdullah and the Gupkar Alliance
Nirmal Singh did not shy away from criticizing his political rivals during his statement. Addressing the comments made by Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Singh accused the National Conference of lacking a coherent vision for Jammu and Kashmir. He also took aim at the Gupkar Alliance, a coalition of regional parties that seek the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir until its revocation in 2019.
Singh claimed that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, had been removed from the Gupkar Alliance, highlighting the internal disarray within the opposition bloc. They removed them from the alliance,” Singh remarked, questioning the strength and unity of the opposition.
Regarding the Congress party, which has aligned with the National Conference for these elections, Singh was particularly critical. “Congress has no vision for J&K. The public of Jammu has already rejected them,” he said. Singh accused Congress of surrendering to the manifesto of the National Conference and acting out of desperation to stay relevant in the region.
He dismissed the alliance between Congress and the National Conference as “opportunistic” and one that the people have already rejected.
Significance of Voter Turnout
One of the most telling aspects of Singh’s statements was his focus on voter turnout. He expressed confidence that the turnout in the second phase would exceed that of the first, signaling growing participation and faith in the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.
Higher voter turnout, especially in regions that have seen calls for boycotts in previous years, is a clear indication of shifting political and social dynamics in J&K. The elections are not just about choosing representatives; they represent a broader movement towards normalcy, development, and stability in a region that has been marred by decades of unrest.
For Singh and the BJP, this high voter turnout is a vindication of their policies in the region, particularly after the revocation of Article 370. The party has campaigned on a platform of integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, focusing on development, security, and creating opportunities for the local population.
Conclusion
As the second phase of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections unfolds, the high voter turnout and enthusiasm from people across the region are being hailed as a turning point. Nirmal Singh’s confident predictions about the increased participation, coupled with his sharp criticism of the opposition, set the stage for a closely watched election. The results of these elections will not only shape the political future of J&K but will also serve as an indicator of the region’s trajectory towards peace and progress.