Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

As the third phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s elections commenced, political leaders across the spectrum called for active voter participation, highlighting the importance of making thoughtful decisions at the polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, urging women voters and first-time participants to make their voices heard in this final round of voting. Emphasizing the significance of women's participation, PM Modi expressed confidence in their large turnout, reinforcing their role in the democratic process.

जम्मू-कश्मीर विधानसभा चुनाव में आज तीसरे और आखिरी दौर का मतदान है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा अनुरोध है कि वे लोकतंत्र के उत्सव को सफल बनाने के लिए आगे आएं और अपना वोट जरूर डालें। मुझे विश्वास है कि पहली बार वोट देने जा रहे युवा साथियों के अलावा नारीशक्ति की मतदान में बढ़-चढ़कर…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to voters, stressing the need for a visionary government that could address the critical issues of security, peace, and stability in the region. He encouraged citizens to cast their votes against terrorism, corruption, and nepotism while advocating for a government focused on tourism, education, and employment.

Echoing these sentiments, Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), urged voters to exercise their franchise wisely. After casting his own vote at the Government Girls High School, Azad emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who could resolve the pressing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. He refrained from endorsing any political party but called for careful consideration from voters as they elected their representatives.

Grateful for the amazing support & love as I addressed gatherings in Gurez’s Bagtore, Dawar & other areas. I assured the people of our commitment to development, focusing on youth employment, roads, hospitals, colleges, and more. Change is possible when we reject the politics of… pic.twitter.com/6LBeTMH1FA

— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) September 24, 2024

This third and final phase saw voting in 40 constituencies spread across Jammu and the Kashmir Valley, with over 3.9 million voters eligible to participate. With 415 candidates in the fray, including key political figures like former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, the elections hold the potential to shape the future of governance in Jammu and Kashmir.

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As polling stations opened at 7 a.m., queues formed across the region, with mock polling conducted to ensure smooth operations. Leaders from various political parties, including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and the former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, were actively involved in the campaign over the past weeks, underscoring the high stakes in this election. The votes will be counted on October 8, determining the leadership that will guide the Union Territory forward.