Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters to come out in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of participation in "strengthening democracy." He also congratulated first-time voters, highlighting their role in shaping the region's future.

जम्मू-कश्मीर में आज विधानसभा चुनाव के दूसरे दौर की वोटिंग है। सभी वोटर्स से मेरी अपील है कि वे अपना वोट जरूर दें और लोकतंत्र को मजबूत बनाने में अपनी अहम भूमिका निभाएं। इस अवसर पर पहली बार वोट डालने जा रहे सभी युवा साथियों को मेरा अभिनंदन!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2024

Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda echoed PM Modi’s call, urging voters to participate in large numbers to abolish "corruption and nepotism" and pave the way for a “golden future” for Jammu and Kashmir. Voting is underway in 26 Assembly constituencies across six districts, including Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch, with over 25 lakh eligible voters.

Long queues were reported at polling stations from early morning, with people patiently waiting to cast their votes. Special "pink polling stations" managed entirely by women were set up in some districts to encourage female participation. One polling station in Ganderbal witnessed a unique gesture, where the first three voters planted saplings after casting their votes.

As of 9 am, the voter turnout had reached 10.22%, with the Poonch district recording the highest turnout at 14.41%. The districts of Reasi, Rajouri, Ganderbal, and Budgam also reported healthy participation, while Srinagar recorded a comparatively lower turnout of 4.70%. Notably, a 102-year-old voter, Hagi Karam Din Bhat, cast his vote in Reasi, choosing to visit the polling station rather than vote from home.

An elderly voter casts her vote through the postal ballot under the 'voting from home' facility

Prominent candidates in the fray include National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from both Ganderbal and Budgam constituencies, BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera, and Congress leader Tariq Hamid Karra from Central Shalteng. Abdullah expressed optimism about voter turnout in the second phase, despite the challenges posed by the central government’s policies.

READ MORE: J&K Assembly poll: Will NC regain its support in its stronghold in 2nd phase?

Polling will continue until 6 pm on Wednesday. The third and final phase is scheduled for October 1, with the counting of votes set to take place on October 8.