Voting starts in final phase of J-K Assembly elections today.
On Tuesday, 39.18 lakh voters are set to decide the political fate of 415 candidates contesting in 40 Assembly constituencies in the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections. This crucial round of voting marks the culmination of an intense electoral process, with various political parties vying for dominance in the region. The election is seen as a significant test for candidates and parties alike, as the voters’ decisions will shape the political landscape. With heightened security and a high voter turnout anticipated, all eyes are on the results that will follow this pivotal phase.
Voting for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections commenced on Tuesday, covering 40 seats across seven districts, including Jammu, the region’s winter capital. This phase marks a significant milestone in the state’s political history, as over 39.18 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the electoral fate of 415 candidates. Among the prominent candidates in this phase are two former deputy chief ministers, Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig.
For the first time, West Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community will participate in the assembly polls, having gained the right to vote after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. These communities had previously participated in local elections like the Block Development Council and District Development Council polls held in 2019 and 2020, respectively, but this marks their debut in assembly elections. Their participation represents a significant shift in the region’s electoral landscape, with more voices being included in the political process.
Polling began early at 7 AM across 16 assembly segments in three border districts of north Kashmir, namely Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora. Some of the key constituencies in these districts include Baramulla, Uri, Rafiabad, Pattan, Gulmarg, Sopore, and Wagoora-Kreeri in Baramulla district; Kupwara, Karnah, Trehgam, Handwara, Lolab, and Langate in Kupwara district; and Bandipora, Sonawari, and Gurez in Bandipora district. In these northern districts, 202 candidates are competing in this electoral battle.
Security has been a primary concern, given the region’s sensitivity. To ensure a safe voting environment, more than 400 companies of security forces, including paramilitary and armed police personnel, have been deployed across polling stations. Their presence has been bolstered to maintain law and order, with heightened vigilance in the border districts where tensions often run high.
Meanwhile, voting also began in 24 assembly constituencies in the Jammu region, including Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts. This phase follows a robust voter turnout in the earlier rounds of the elections, with 61.38 percent participation recorded in the first phase on September 18 and 57.31 percent in the second phase on September 25. Voter enthusiasm is expected to remain high, as the electoral stakes are significant for the region’s political future.
Prominent candidates in the fray for this phase include Raman Bhalla from R S Pura, Usman Majid from Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Khan from Gurez, Taj Mohiuddin from Uri, Basharat Bukhari from Wagoora-Kreeri, Imran Ansari from Pattan, Ghulam Hassan Mir from Gulmarg, Choudhary Lal Singh from Basohli, Rajiv Jasrotia from Jasrota, Manohar Lal Sharma from Billawar, Sham Lal Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra from Jammu North. These candidates represent a mix of seasoned politicians and emerging leaders, each vying to secure a spot in the state’s legislative assembly.
To facilitate smooth voting, the Election Commission has set up 5,060 polling stations, with full webcasting enabled across all constituencies to ensure transparency. Of these, 974 polling stations are urban, while 4,086 are rural, reflecting the geographic diversity of the region.
Special initiatives have been introduced to encourage voter participation. This includes the establishment of 240 ‘special’ polling stations, 50 ‘pink’ polling stations exclusively managed by women, and 43 polling stations operated by persons with disabilities. Additionally, 45 ‘green’ polling stations have been designated to promote environmental awareness. There are also 29 polling stations situated near the Line of Control and the International Border, catering to the border residents, and 33 ‘unique’ polling stations that offer specialized services.
For migrant voters from the Kashmir division, 24 special polling stations have been set up — 19 in Jammu, four in Delhi, and one in Udhampur district. This move ensures that those displaced from their native regions still have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.
To ensure peaceful and orderly voting, officials have implemented a comprehensive security strategy at each polling station, with the aim of preventing any disruption. Voting is scheduled to conclude at 6 PM, after which all eyes will turn to the results, which are expected to be announced on October 8.
This final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is seen as crucial in shaping the region’s political landscape. The diverse voter base and the inclusion of new communities in the electoral process make this a historic election, with the outcome expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.