J&K Assembly Elections Phase 3: 65.5% Voter Turnout Recorded, 3 Districts Saw Highest Turnout In 30 Years

The three border districts of Kashmir -- Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara -- registered a voter turnout of 60 per cent with traditional boycott bastions of Sopore and Baramulla towns witnessing the highest turnout in an election in the last three decades.

However, the turnout in the 16 Assembly segments of these three districts on Tuesday was nearly 5 per cent less than what was recorded in the 2014 Assembly polls.

The third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls was held on Tuesday. The polling in the 40 Assembly segments across seven districts, including the winter capital Jammu, began at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm. The votes will be counted on October 8.

From narrow lanes of the walled city to sprawling fields close to the border with Pakistan, the third and final phase of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday witnessed voters thronging the polling stations with great enthusiasm to choose their “own government” after six years of central rule.

Though the issues raised by the voters are many, restoration of statehood, protection for land and jobs, menace of drugs, and growing unemployment were on the mind of the voters who exercised their franchise across 26 assembly segments in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu region.

The recent surge in terror attacks in the remote hilly areas of Jammu failed to dampen the spirit of the voters in the rural belts where the voting percentage by half-day have already crossed 50 per cent mark, showing the sense of security created by police and paramilitary forces among them.

The voting by border residents also took place in a peaceful atmosphere with no untoward incident reported from anywhere amid ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

- PTI

Accoridng to EC, voter turnout of 65.48 per cent was recorded till 5 pm. The polling is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm.

Udhampur district recorded the highest turnout of 72.91 per cent, followed by Samba (72.41 per cent), Kathua (70.53 per cent), Jammu (66.79 per cent), Bandipora (63.33 per cent), Kupwara (62.76 per cent), and Baramulla (55.73 per cent).

Ayushi Sudan, District Collector on polling duty in Kupwara spoke about the response of voters in Kashmir during the 3rd phase of polls conducted today. She said, "The response of the people was very good, very overwhelming. We had a total of six Assembly segments with 622 polling stations. The last report which came at 3 pm said that we have already crossed 50 per cent of voter turnout and still there were so many people in queues. So, the response of the people has been very positive, and it reinforces the very nature of elections and the democratic process in the UT and the country itself."

A voter turnout of 56.01 per cent was recorded till 3 pm.

Udhampur district recorded the highest turnout of 64.43 per cent, followed by Samba (63.24 per cent), Kathua (62.43 per cent), Jammu (56.74 per cent), Bandipora (53.09 per cent), Kupwara (52.98 per cent), and Baramulla (46.09 per cent).

PM Modi while addressing a public rally in Palwal, said, "Election campaigning is underway in Haryana and today, final phase of polling is taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. People in large numbers are participating in the festival of democracy there. I would like to tell all the voters of Jammu & Kashmir to caste their vote."

Aijaz Ahmad Guroo, Independent candidate from Sopore seat speaking to PTI about the aims and expectations of Kashmiri voters, said, "As an ordinary Kashmiri, our aim of casting vote is to elect a representative who can take our concerns to the Assembly, but it will be possible only when there will be a CM. However, it is UT and CM does not have that much authority and L-G has powers."

He added, "I would like to urge the central government to give our state (statehood) back."

Upon his return from the Middle East trip in July 1944, Maharaja Hari Singh was taken through Srinagar in a welcome procession where Sheikh Abdullah presented him with a copy of the ‘Naya Kashmir’ manifesto as the procession passed by the Mujahid Manzil. 

The manifesto was not simply a collection of slogans and demands but a substantial 44 page document that contained a proposed constitution for Jammu and Kashmir and a detailed economic plan.The mind behind this revolutionary document was Baba Pyare Lal Bedi (BPL Bedi), a leftist intellectual from Punjab and close friend of Sheikh Abdullah. Freda, the sharp-minded wife of Bedi would type the manuscript herself. When the manifesto was written out it was hailed as a pathbreaking document both in the state and the country as a whole.  

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Even before the vice president of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, could speak at a rally on September 26 in Rafiabad, north Kashmir, a local party leader set the tone. Instead of targeting the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the NC’s traditional rival for the past two decades, the leader chose to direct his criticism at Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, who is out on bail and has initiated a fierce campaign against the NC. Rightly so, as the PDP hardly has presence in north Kashmir and Rashid recently defeated Abdullah in the parliamentary elections. Now, Rashid’s party is contesting all seats in the region and has intensified its attack on Abdullah.

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Bandipore- 42.67%

Baramulla- 36.60%

Jammu- 43.36%

Kathua- 50.09%

Kupwara- 42.08%

Samba- 49.73%

Udhampur- 51.66%

The Congress on Tuesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers in the third and final phase of the assembly polls, with Rahul Gandhi calling on them to remember that this election is about their self-respect and rights.

In a post in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "All voters are requested to come out of their homes in large numbers and vote for INDIA. Your every vote for INDIA will secure the foundation of the future of Jammu and Kashmir, and will give you the strength to fight for your rights."

The victory of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, known as Engineer Rashid, even while incarcerated, is a remarkable testament to the changing political dynamics in Kashmir. It reflects a populace increasingly disillusioned with the traditional political elite who have often been perceived as self-serving and disconnected from the grassroots.

The dynastic politics of Kashmir, dominated by a few prominent families for decades, have faced growing scrutiny and criticism for failing to deliver on the promises of development and representation. This election outcome is a resounding statement from the people, signalling a desire for change and a new direction. It underscores the emergence of a more politically aware and active electorate that is no longer willing to accept the status quo.

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National Conference (NC) candidate from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar said, "People believe in the democratic process and want solutions to their issues through voting. My agendas are - development and to fight for our rights. I urge people to vote to strengthen the democratic setup and National Conference."

North Kashmir and Jammu have a history of high voter turnout even amid boycott calls, and in this phase the polling percentage is likely to cross 60 per cent.

The fight in North Kashmir's Kupwara, Handwara, and Langate constituencies are of interest. People's Conference leader Sajad Lone is contesting in Handwara, while MP Engineer Rashid's brother is contesting in the Langate seat. The PDP is focusing its efforts on Kupwara, where former MP Fayyaz Mir is competing.

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Bandipore- 28.04%

Baramulla- 23.20%

Jammu- 27.15%

Kathua- 31.78%

Kupwara- 27.34%

Samba- 31.50%

Udhampur- 33.84%

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said the enthusiastic participation of people in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls reflects the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies and "true mainstreaming" of democracy in the Union territory.

“We are thankful to the prime minister and the BJP leadership for providing such a pleasant and festive atmosphere (for voting). This type of atmosphere is being witnessed for the first time after decades and this is the true mainstreaming of the democracy in J-K,” the Union minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office said.

With the third and final phase of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election scheduled for Tuesday, authorities have said exit poll predictions could be aired only after 6 pm on October 5.

According to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission (EC) on August 31 and under the provisions of section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, all media outlets, polling agencies and individuals are informed that publication or broadcast of exit poll results related to the Jammu and Kashmir election may be done after 6 pm on October 5, the office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) said in a statement on Monday.

It said violations of the guidelines may lead to legal action, including fines and imprisonment.

"The restriction applies to all forms of media, including newspapers, television channels, radio, online news portals, social media platforms and messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram etc. It also applies to political parties, candidates, polling agencies and any individuals engaged in election-related activities," the statement said.

(Via PTI)

BJP candidate from Nagrota Assembly seat Devender Singh Rana cast his vote at a polling booth in Jammu and told reporters, "It is a festival of Jammu and people are enthusiastic and people are participating in it with so much enthusiasm and passion. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and want to include themselves in this journey of Viksit Bharat."

"For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, a full majority government of BJP will be formed," he added.

Divya D, SSP Sopore, said, "Voting has been going on since 7 am and everything is going smoothly so far. Our security arrangements are in place. Our officers are also present on the ground, so everything is going smoothly. People are coming out in large numbers to vote and we are expecting more participation than previous elections."

• Bandipore- 11.64%

• Baramulla- 8.89%

• Jammu- 11.46%

• Kathua- 13.09%

• Kupwara- 11.27%

• Samba- 13.31%

• Udhampur- 14.23%

Commenting on the importance of the assembly election in the Union Territory, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid said, "This vote is not only important for me but for all Kashmiri people and the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. After 6 PM, Kashmiri voters will be powerless... Kashmiris, you have the opportunity until 6 PM today. This is not a normal election like other state elections. If you (people) want to come out of difficulties, you must think carefully and vote today so that we can tell the 140 crore people of India that Kashmir is not Modi's new Kashmir, and if a new Kashmir is to be built, it will be on our terms."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday arrived at a polling booth in Bahu Assembly Constituency to cast his vote for the third and final phase of polling for J&K Assembly Elections 2024.

Commenting on people's enthusiasm as voting for the final phase is underway in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP candidate from Jammu North constituency Sham Lal Sharma said, "This is the biggest festival of democracy. People in J&K have been waiting for Assembly elections for a long time. The long queues outside polling stations are proof that people want change in J&K. I am confident that the people in 24 seats in the Jammu province are going to break the voting records of the last several years...I request the voters to chose the best candidates..."

As the third and final phase of elections began, PM Narendra Modi posted on X, "Today is the third and last round of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. I request all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make the festival of democracy a success. I am confident that apart from the young friends who are going to vote for the first time, women power will also participate in the voting in large numbers."

In a first, members of the Valmiki community did cast a vote for the first time at a polling booth in Jammu. "I am very happy... I am 50 but I am casting vote for the first time. Things are changing now," says a voter.

"It feels like a caged bird has been set free. Our community had no voting rights for the last 70 years. Valmiki community was kept away from voting process," says another voter.

People queue up at a polling station in Jammu to vote in the third & final phase of the Assembly elections today. Eligible voters in 40 constituencies across 7 districts of the Union Territory are exercising their franchise today.

As polling began for the final phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party said, "There are some issues that have been ongoing since 1947, and everyone has different concerns. However, the current issues that have persisted for the last five years (in Jammu and Kahsmir) are related to statehood. Alongside this, another major issue is unemployment, especially affecting the educated youth. The future of our children is at risk," says

Security arrangements have been beefed up for the third and final phase of voting. Visuals from a polling booth set up at Government Higher Secondary School, Vijaypur, Samba.

Voters start to queue up outside a polling booth set up at Govt Boys Higher Secondary School, Langate, Kupwara, for third phase of voting.

Ahead of the third and final phase of the much awaited assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X saying, "Jammu and Kashmir needs a government that is visionary and can take strong decisions for security, peace and stability here. Today, the people voting here in the last phase should use their vote power to form a government that keeps Jammu and Kashmir away from terrorism, separatism, nepotism and corruption and is determined to protect the rights of every section. Cast a historic vote for tourism, education, employment and all-round development in Jammu and Kashmir."

Mock polling is underway at several polling booths including Baramulla, Bandipora, Kathua and other districts ahead of third phase voting today. While the first phase of voting took place on September 18, the second phase was conducted on September 25.

In Jammu, Udhampur West, Udhampur East, Chenani, Ramnagar (SC), Bani, Billawar, Basohli, Jasrota, Kathua (SC), Hiranagar, Ramgarh (SC), Samba and Vijaypur, Bishnah (SC). Suchetgarh (SC), R S Pura, Jammu South, Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Marh (SC), Akhnoor (SC), and Chhamb will be heading to the polls.

In the Kashmir division, the voting will be held for the Karnah, Trehgam, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara, Langate, Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Wagoora-Kreeri, Pattan, Sonawari, Bandipora, and Gurez (ST) assembly constituencies.

• Jammu and Kashmir is all set to vote in the third and final phase of the Assembly elections on Tuesday, October 1.

• A total of 415 candidates from different political parties and independents are in the fray from across 40 seats that are set to go to polls today.

• Of the 40 seats going to polls on Thuesday, 16 fall in the Kashmir region while 24 lie in the Jammu province.

• Around 39.18 lakh voters are eligible to vote in the third phase of polling.

• Voting is scheduled to begin at 7 AM across 5,060 polling stations across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir.