Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

Polling for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's three-phase Assembly elections began on Wednesday, marking a significant moment as it is the first Assembly election in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Voting started at 7 am across 24 constituencies, with 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 in Jammu, amid tight security arrangements. The election, held after a 10-year gap, saw a total of 23.27 lakh voters deciding the fate of 219 candidates in this phase.

Polling officials along with election materials leave for their respective polling stations ahead of the first phase of the assembly elections

Bright sunshine greeted voters across several districts, including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian in the Valley, as well as Banihal, Kishtwar, and Doda in Jammu. Security forces at polling stations in Pampore and Koil exchanged smiles with voters, who turned out in large numbers, particularly men in the morning, with women expected to vote later in the day.

People stand in queue to cast their vote in Jammu

A total of 873 candidates are contesting the 90 Assembly seats, with subsequent polling for the second and third phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively. This election also features prominent parties like the Congress-National Conference alliance, PDP, BJP, and People's Conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to cast their vote. "As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise.", he posted on X.

As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2024

The residents of Jammu and Kashmir stood in line to cast their votes in the first phase of J&K assembly elections. The Netizens show their excitement on different social media platforms.

#WATCH | Kashmiri Pandits show their inked fingers after casting votes for the 1st phase of #JammuandKashmir Assembly elections at a polling station in Jagti under #Kulgam Assembly Constituency.

Live updates: https://t.co/myBKu8DY8G

(📹: ANI) pic.twitter.com/XDKkCH0O9K

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) September 18, 2024

READ MORE: J&K Assembly Polls: Iltija, Sakina stand out as gutsy Kashmiri women leaders

Authorities anticipate a strong voter turnout, potentially surpassing the 58% recorded during the recent Lok Sabha polls. The vote counting is slated for October 8.