The first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections has kicked off today, marking a historic event as it is the region’s first election in a decade. Voters across 24 Assembly constituencies are casting their ballots, and this is the first election since Article 370 was revoked in 2019. This phase covers both Jammu and Kashmir regions, with prominent political figures and parties, including the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and BJP, all contesting for a strong mandate.
Security measures are tight, ensuring smooth voting for over 23 lakh eligible voters. The elections are being closely watched as they reflect the transformed political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
Players like Engineer Rashid’s Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party, which struck an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, and Sajjad Lone’s People’s Conference are also in the fray. Additionally, some separatist outfits are contesting as independents in many seats.
Key faces in this round include CPI(M)’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami from Kulgam, AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir in Dooru, National Conference’s Sakina Itoo from Damhal Hajipora, PDP’s Sartaj Madni from Devsar, Iltija Mufti in Srigufwara-Bijbehara, and Abdul Rehman Veeri in Shangus-Anantnag.
The focus is on Pulwama and Srigufwara-Bijbehara, where PDP’s Waheed Para and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter
Iltija Mufti are contesting, respectively.
In the Jammu region, prominent figures include former ministers Sajjad Kitchloo (NC), Khalid Najid Suharwardy (NC), Vikar Rasool Wani (Congress), Abdul Majid Wani (DPAP), Sunil Sharma (BJP), Shakti Raj Parihar (Doda West), and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori.
Though NC and Congress are in an alliance, both parties have fielded candidates in Banihal, Bhaderwah, and Doda for a ‘friendly contest.’
In the first phase, over 23 lakh voters will decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents. Of the 24 Assembly seats, eight are in the Jammu region and four in the Kashmir Valley.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 23,27,580 electors are eligible to vote in Phase 1, comprising 11,76,462 male, 11,51,058 female, and 60 third-gender electors. A total of 14,000 polling staff will oversee the process at 3,276 polling stations, ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the Assembly polls to ensure maximum voter turnout, said senior officer VK Birdi. The measures include multi-tier security from the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, and J&K Police.
The second phase of voting will take place on September 25, and the third on October 1 and vote counting will be held on October 8.
