J-K Assembly elections HIGHLIGHTS: 58.97 per cent voter turnout recorded in first phase of polling

24 assembly constituencies records 58.97% voter turnout

• 1.    Anantnag: 41.58%
• 2.    Anantnag West: 45.93%
• 3.    Banihal: 68%
• 4.    Bhadarwah: 65.27%
• 5.    D H Pora: 68%
• 6.    Devsar: 54.73%
• 7.    Doda: 70.21%
• 8.    Doda West: 74.14%
• 9.    Dooru: 57.90%
• 10.    Inderwal: 80.06%
• 11.    Kishtwar: 75.04%
• 12.    Kokernag: 58%
• 13.    Kulgam: 62.70%
• 14.    Padder-Nagseni: 76.80%
• 15.    Pahalgam: 67.86%
• 16.    Pampore: 44.78%
• 17.    Pulwama: 50.42%
• 18.    Rajpora: 48.07%
• 19.    Ramban: 67.34%
• 20.    Shangus-Anantnag East: 52.94%
• 21.    Shopian: 54.72%
• 22.    Srigufwara-Bijbehara: 56.02%
• 23.    Tral: 40.58%
• 24.    Zainapora: 52.64%

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 58.85 per cent in the first phase of polling in the UT.

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

• Anantnag: 54.17%
• Doda: 69.33%
• Kishtwar: 72.32%
• Kulgam: 59.62%
• Pulwama: 43.87%
• Ramban: 67.71%
• Shopian: 53.64%

58.85 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

EVMs were sealed at a booth in Pulwama as polling concluded for the first phase of the Assembly polling in Jammu and Kashmir.

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 58.19 per cent until 5 pm. 

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

• Anantnag: 54.17%

• Doda: 69.33%

• Kishtwar: 72.32%

• Kulgam: 59.62%

• Pulwama: 43.87%

• Ramban: 67.71%

• Shopian: 53.64%

According to ECI, 58.19% voter turnout has been recorded till 5 pm in the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election.

Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda Range DIG Shridhar Patil said, " The polling is going on peacefully in all the places. Voters have turned out in large numbers. Adequate security has been deployed in vulnerable and sensitive areas. In addition to state police, we have adequate deployment of CAPF as well. Outer areas have been dominated by the Army. All security forces are working in synergy. People have given a response to terrorists and all acts of terror that have occurred in the recent past by casting their vote."

Shopian district saw 46.84% voter turnout till 3 pm

Constituencies: 

• Shopian: 48.40%
• Zainapora: 45.40%

60.04% voter turnout in the Ramban district till 3 pm

Constituencies: 

• Banihal: 59.00%
• Ramban: 61.38%

36.90% voter turnout in the Pulwama district till 3 pm

• Constituencies: 
• Pampore: 35.70%
• Pulwama: 40.20%
• Rajpora: 38.63%
• Tral: 32.87%

50.57% voter turnout in the Kulgam district till 3 pm

Constituencies: 

• DH Pora: 55.14%
• Devsar: 46.34%
• Kulgam: 50.75%

70.03% voter turnout in the Kishtwar district till 3 pm.

Constituencies: 

• Inderwal: 72.20%
• Kishtwar: 67.58%
• Padder-Nagseni: 71.08%

61.90% voter turnout was reported in Doda district till 3 pm.

Constituencies: 

• Bhadarwah: 58.32%
• Doda: 62.13%
• Doda West: 66.75%

Anantnag district reported 46.67% voter turnout till 3 PM

Constituencies: 

• Anantnag: 34.71%
• Anantnag West: 39.51%
• Dooru: 50.50%
• Kokernag: 50.00%
• Pahalgam: 58.89%
• Shangus-Anantnag East: 45.34%
• Srigufwara-Bijbehara: 48.30%

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "PDP will emerge as the number one party in South Kashmir."

Anantnag, J&K: PDP candidate from Bijbehara Assembly constituency Iltija Mufti said, "I am happy that people have come here to cast their vote. I have been visiting polling booths since morning and youngsters and elderly all have come out to cast their votes. Delhi should honour this mandate and ensure that this is a free and fair transparent election. We have information that the other party was trying to indulge in malpractices but those claims are yet to be verified, but we have complaints against NC how they are going about manhandling people... Engineer Rashid should be freed."

On first phase of J&K Assembly Polls, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said"This is a border area and the Congress party has always been strong here, we have alliance candidates... I think the I.N.D.I.A alliance government will be formed here, BJP itself is contesting the elections and has fielded many proxy candidates so that the votes can be divided but the voters here understand this politics. Elections have not been held here for 10 years, people are participating in the voting in large numbers... No matter how much effort they make in Jammu and Kashmir, people are not liking them here ..."

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 50.65 per cent till 3 pm. 

As Jammu and Kashmir holds its first phase of Assembly elections following the abrogation of Article 370, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called the event "historic" and praised the large voter turnout. Speaking on the occasion, CM Dhami highlighted the significance of the elections, stating, "After the abrogation of Article 370, assembly elections are being held for the first phase in J&K. People are coming out to vote in large numbers. This is historic."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer PK Pole said polling is proceeding peacefully in the first phase of the assembly elections and is incident-free. He also expressed confidence that turnout will exceed 60 per cent. "Polling is being conducted on a large scale. The way polling is progressing indicates a high turnout. We anticipate over 60 per cent polling. So far, the polling has been peaceful and incident-free," Pole told the media. 

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 41.17 per cent until 1 pm. 

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

• Anantnag: 37.90%
• Doda: 50.81%
• Kishtwar: 56.86%
• Kulgam: 39.91%
• Pulwama: 29.84%
• Ramban: 49.68%
• Shopian: 38.72%

In Kishtwar, voting at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla was briefly halted following a protest by local residents over issues related to voter identification. The protest led to a temporary disruption in the voting process as tensions rose over the verification of voters. "There was some confusion among people here, there was a crowd here and it has been resolved. There was some issue regarding identification, one person did not have an identity card. The situation is normal, voting has resumed," Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said. 

Sunil Sharma, the BJP candidate from the Padder-Nagseni Assembly Constituency in Kishtwar, has expressed optimism over the strong voter turnout during the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. According to the Election Commission, the constituency recorded 32-15 per cent voter turnout till 11 am. Speaking to the media, Sharma congratulated voters for their enthusiastic participation, remarking, "The way people are coming out of their homes and exercising their franchise shows that they have a lot of faith in democracy." He further emphasised the significance of the large voter turnout, describing it as good news for the Bharatiya Janata Party. "You must have seen that whenever the percentage was low here, Congress, National Conference, or PDP used to win because they got protection from terrorists," Sharma added.

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 26.72 per cent until 11 am.

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

• Anantnag: 25.55%
• Doda: 32.20%
• Kishtwar: 32.69%
• Kulgam: 25.95%
• Pulwama: 20.37%
• Ramban: 31.25%
• Shopian: 25.96%

"As the polling in underway in Jammu and Kashmir, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged voters to step out in large numbers and use their franchise to bring prosperity and a new phase of governance to the Union Territory. "My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is taking place in the region. For the first time in the history of the country, the statehood of a state has been snatched away and it has been made a Union Territory - this is a violation of the constitutional rights of all of you and an insult to Jammu and Kashmir." 

"Your every vote given to I.N.D.I.A
- will restore your rights
- will bring a flood of employment
- Will strengthen women
- Will bring you out of the 'Injustice Period'

…Jammu will make Kashmir happy again." he added. 

In a significant development for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, female voters proudly displayed their inked fingers after casting their votes during the first phase of the elections at an all-women polling station in the Kishtwar Assembly Constituency. This initiative highlights the inclusive and empowering approach adopted for this electoral process. The Kishtwar constituency sees a competitive race with prominent candidates from major political parties. The BJP has fielded Shagun Parihar, representing the party's bid to secure support in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has put forward Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, aiming to consolidate its position in the area. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen Firdoos Ahmed Tak as its candidate. 

The first phase of Assembly elections is underway for 24 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 11.11 per cent until 9 am.

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

• Anantnag: 10.26%
• Doda: 12.90%
• Kishtwar: 14.83%
• Kulgam: 10.77%
• Pulwama: 9.18%
• Ramban: 11.91%
• Shopian: 11.44%

After casting his vote, Waheed Para, the PDP candidate from Pulwama, addressed the pressing concerns of his constituency. He highlighted the challenges faced by Pulwama, stating, "Pulwama has been stigmatised... This is an election for us to reclaim the image of Pulwama, the youth of Pulwama, and the people of Pulwama and we are optimistic." "We want people to come out in this election and vote for peace, progress, development and dignity of J&K...Voting is an act of self-preservance for all of us. People have lost so much in the last 6-7 years. So people want to change and this voting is to reclaim whatever we have lost," he added. 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged voters in Jammu and Kashmir to remember who is responsible for the "travesty" of downgrading a state to a Union Territory when they cast their vote. In a post on X, Kharge said, "As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers. Every single vote holds the power to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment. We appeal to all, especially first-time voters, to participate in this crucial election and be the catalysts for change. For the first time ever, a state was downgraded to a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, do remember who is responsible for this travesty. Let us unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where the voices of all citizens are heard," Kharge said. 

After casting his votes, Congress candidate Vikar Rasool Wani, who is contesting for the Banihal Assembly seat, made a strong statement regarding his party's contributions and future plans. At a polling station in Banihal, Wani asserted, "All the work here has been done by the Congress party. You will not find any work of the National Conference and PDP in the Banihal Assembly constituency; it is the Congress party that has worked and it is the Congress party that will work here." 

Wani emphasised the Congress party’s substantial role in the development of the Banihal constituency, positioning the party as the primary force behind local progress. He also highlighted the key issue of employment, stating, "The biggest issue is employment, we will work hard on that too and will make every effort to provide employment to the people."

BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar cast her vote. "I am getting love and blessings from the people. I have faith that the people of Kishtwar will bless their daughter. I am sure they will accept BJP's slogan of 'Sab ka sath, sab ka vishwas, sab ka vikas' and ensure BJP's victory in Kishtwar... Terrorism is a huge issue and the parties like JKNC and PDP have always encouraged it to save their chair. But the common people want peace," she said. 

Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will come out to vote in large numbers to seek restoration of statehood and their rights. Mir, who is contesting the polls from the Dooru Assembly segment in this south Kashmir district, said the intent behind voting is to change "Delhi's rule" in Jammu and Kashmir. "I cast my vote intending to change Delhi's rule on the people of J-K for the last 10 years. Today's biggest aim is that J-K should prosper and the people feel happy," Mir told media after casting his vote.

In a significant moment for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Kashmiri Pandits proudly displayed their inked fingers after casting their votes during the first phase of the polls. The voting took place at a polling station in Jagti, which is part of the Kulgam Assembly Constituency. The enthusiasm and engagement of the electorate, including the Kashmiri Pandits, highlighted the significance of the Assembly elections in the valley after a decade. 

BJP's candidate from the Kishtwar Assembly constituency, Shagun Parihar, offered prayers before heading to the polling station to cast her vote in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections 2024. The Kishtwar seat has drawn considerable political attention, with other major candidates in the fray, including Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Firdoos Ahmed Tak from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

After casting his vote in Banihal, BJP candidate Mohd Saleem Bhat expressed his satisfaction with the election process, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission for successfully organising the polls. Bhat emphasised the need for change in the region, stating that voters are keen on development, better health services, and improved education. "I am happy. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission for conducting the elections here. People here want change and want to vote for development, good health facilities, schools. I appeal to people to come out in large numbers so that development can take place here," Bhat said, urging the public to participate in large numbers to ensure progress in Banihal​.​

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to education of the youth, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism. He also said that only a government with a strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there, and speed up development work. "Today, my appeal to the voters going to exercise their franchise in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is to vote in large numbers to form a government which is committed to education of the youth, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region," the BJP leader wrote on X in Hindi.

Mohd Altaf Bhat, an Independent candidate contesting from the Rajpora Assembly constituency, cast his vote today at a polling station in Zadoora, Pulwama. Bhat, who is backed by Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), joined a number of other key contenders in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections.

In Pulwama, voters have lined up at a polling booth as they await their turn to participate in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections. The Pulwama constituency has drawn significant attention with two prominent candidates in the fray -- Mohammad Khalil Band from the National Conference (NC) and Abdul Waheed Ur Rehman Para from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Polling is currently underway across 24 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, with 16 seats in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu, marking the first assembly election in the region in a decade. A voter, after casting his ballot, shared his hopes for change, saying, "Today, elections are being held after 10 years. We want unemployment and inflation to end, keeping this in mind, we have voted. We want people to vote in large numbers."

Polling is in full swing as voters in Doda line up to cast their ballots for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir's 2024 Assembly elections. The Doda constituency has drawn attention with major political parties fielding notable candidates. The National Conference (NC) has fielded Khalid Najib Suharwardy, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forward Gajay Singh Rana as its candidate. Congress is represented by Sheikh Riaz, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has gone with Abdul Majid Wani.

Visuals have surfaced from Pulwama showing voters entering polling stations as the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is underway. This phase covers 24 assembly constituencies, with 16 in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu. Pulwama is a key district, and polling in this region marks a significant moment in the election process, which is being held after a decade and for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

As the voting began for the first phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers. "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 wrote on X.

The polling has begun across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling will continue till 6 pm today. 

In Kulgam, visuals show people lining up outside polling booths, ready to cast their votes in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Polling is set to begin shortly, and voter enthusiasm appears strong despite the heavy security presence. Kulgam is one of the 16 constituencies in Kashmir voting today as part of the region's first assembly elections since the revocation of Article 370​. 

Ahead of the first phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir, officials conducted mock polls at various polling booths across Union Territory. Preparations and mock polls are underway in various polling booths across Jammu and Kashmir, including Banihal, Kishtwar, and Jagti Assembly constituencies. Presiding Officer of Lachh Khazana-B, FCI Store Kuleed Polling station Number 75, Ashukta Shaheen, said "Mock polling has been completed. All the preparations have been done. The voters can come and cast their votes after 7 AM," as per news agency ANI. 

In total, 24 seats across the Chenab valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, and south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian will go to poll sin the first phase. The second phase of polling for 26 seats will be held on September 25, while the third phase for 40 seats on September 5.  

J-K Assembly polls: How to find polling booth? 

• First visit Election Commission's website electoralsearch.eci.gov.in:
• then, you enter your Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number, state, and captcha to view the booth details.
• After this, search for your polling booth 'By Details' by entering personal information like name, relative's name, date of birth, gender, and district.
• Then, you can search for your polling booth 'By Mobile' by providing your state and mobile number for an OTP.

Security forces have been deployed outside polling booths in Pulwama's Pinglena as preparations are in full swing for the start of voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s 2024 assembly elections. Pulwama is one of the key districts voting today, and security is particularly tight due to the region's sensitive history. Voters are expected to cast their ballots shortly as polling booths open across the 24 constituencies.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the first phase of assembly elections in the valley. Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone VK Birdi said the polls will be safeguarded by a multi-layered security setup and will include the deployment of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, and J-K Police.

A total of 219 candidates are in the fray in the first phase of the three-phased Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls as 25 nominations were withdrawn on Friday (September 13), the last day for withdrawal of candidature. A total of 280 nominations were filed for 24 Assembly segments in seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, after scrutiny, the nominations of 36 candidates were rejected, while 25 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 219 nominees in the fray, the officials said.

A total of 24 seats across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls in the first phase today. These seats are  Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, DH Pora, Kulgam, Devsar, Dooru, Kokernag (ST), Anantnag West, Anantnag, Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Shangus-Anantnag East, Pahalgam, Inderwal, Kishtwar, Padder-Nagseni, Bhadarwah, Doda, Doda West, Ramban, and Banihal.