The second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began briskly on Wednesday morning, with voters turning out in large numbers at polling booths across all 26 seats. Voting commenced at 7 am amidst tight security, and officials reported smooth proceedings in the initial hours.
Brisk polling was observed particularly in the Chrar-e-Sharif assembly segment of Budgam district in central Kashmir and the two seats in Ganderbal district, while polling in Srinagar district was slower to pick up. The 26 assembly constituencies going to polls in this phase are spread over six districts: three in the Kashmir Valley (Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal) and three in the Jammu division (Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch).
In Srinagar, key constituencies include Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Central Shalteng, and Eidgah. In Budgam, the segments are Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-I-Sharief, and Chadoora. Ganderbal has Kangan (ST) and Ganderbal. The Jammu division constituencies include Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
A total of 239 candidates are contesting in this phase, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is running from Budgam and Ganderbal. Other notable candidates include JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, contesting from Central Shalteng, and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina, aiming to retain his Nowshera seat in Rajouri district.
The Election Commission of India has established 3,502 polling stations, with 1,056 in urban and 2,446 in rural areas. Security has been intensified around each polling station with police, armed police, and paramilitary forces ensuring a safe environment for voters.
Voting will conclude at 6 pm, and this phase will play a critical role in shaping the future leadership of the region, with key political figures and former leaders in the fray.
