J-K Assembly elections phase 2 LIVE: 10.22 per cent voter turnout till 9 am, Srinagar region records lowest

A high-level delegation of senior diplomats from the following countries arrived at a polling booth in Budgam area to witness the polling process. USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Phillippines. Most of the Embassies are represented by their CdA/DCM. Others are represented by Political officers at Minister-Counselor/Counselor ranks.

JKNC vice president and party candidate Omar Abdullah commented on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's campaigning efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah expressed hope that after Gandhi completes his campaign in one or two seats in Kashmir, he will shift his focus to Jammu. Abdullah emphasised the significance of Congress's actions in Jammu, stating, "Ultimately, what the Congress does in Kashmir is not important. What the Congress does in Jammu is important." 

"Unfortunately, Congress hasn't done as much in the plains of Jammu as we would expect them to do. The lion's share of the seats that the alliance gave in Jammu was to the Congress party. Yet, the Congress' campaign in Jammu is yet to begin and there are only five days of campaigning. I hope once Rahul is done campaigning in this one seat in the valley, the Congress focuses all it's attention in the plains of Jammu," Abdullah added.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the voting percentage in the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir elections exceeded 60 per cent. He reflected on the historical context, stating, "There was a time when the voting percentage was in the single digits due to the threats from terrorists." Shekhawat expressed optimism about the ongoing second phase, predicting that a new record for voter turnout may be established. "I can say with conviction that we will form a government in J&K," he added.

The second phase of Assembly elections is underway for 26 seats in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of 10.22 per cent until 9 am.  

Here are region-wise voter turnout:

Budgam: 10.91%
Ganderbal: 12.61%
Poonch: 14.41%
Rajouri: 12.71%
Reasi: 13.37%
Srinagar: 4.70%

JKNC vice president and party candidate Omar Abdullah expressed his anticipation for a strong voter turnout in the second phase, building on the success of the first phase. "We have been waiting for 10 years for elections, and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase also," he stated.  "This participation is not because of the government of India it is in spite of everything the government of India did. They have humiliated people, and all the machinery of the government to detain and harass people...All election days are important. Yes, I have a personal stake in this but all phases are important," he added. 

In a groundbreaking initiative, a pink polling station was established in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar district as Phase 2 of the assembly elections commenced today. Pink polling stations have been set up in other districts of Jammu-Kashmir too, including Reasi and Naushera, Poonch among others. This unique polling station, entirely managed by women, aims to create a welcoming environment and encourage greater female participation in the electoral process.

JKNC candidate from Charar-i-Sharief Assembly constituency, Abdul Rahim Rather cast his vote at a polling station in Budgam. "It is a matter of happiness that the public of J&K are voting after 10 years...For the past 10 years, the public has been facing a lot of difficulties...I appeal to voters to come out and vote in large numbers," he told the media after casting his vote. 

Voters are seen forming queues at a polling station in the Ganderbal Assembly constituency as the second phase of the Assembly elections is underway in Jammu and Kashmir. In this crucial constituency, JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah is vying for votes against PDP's Bashir Ahmad Mir, making the contest a significant focus of this electoral phase.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate from Mendhar Assembly constituency, Javed Rana cast his vote at a polling station in Poonch. BJP has fielded Murtaza Ahmed Khan while Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party has fielded Nadeem Ahmed Khan from the constituency. 

Hagi Karam Din Bhat, a centenarian claiming to be 102 years old, participated in the second phase of the elections by casting his vote at a polling center in Reasi. In a heartfelt message, Bhat stated, "If a good government is formed, a lot of work will be done. The youth should get a good education, and businesses should be set up." He emphasized the importance of voting, urging all citizens to come out and participate in the electoral process to shape a better future for the region.

Voters in the Rajouri Assembly constituency lined up early at polling stations as the second phase of the elections is underway in Jammu and Kashmir.  The contest in Rajouri is between BJP's Vibodh Gupta and Congress' Iftkar Ahmed, drawing significant attention as people cast their votes to shape the future of their region. 

In a symbolic gesture for a greener future, the first three voters at a polling station in Bagoo Rampora, Ganderbal, planted saplings after casting their votes during the second phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ganderbal constituency is witnessing a high-stakes contest between JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah and PDP's Bashir Ahmad Mir. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers for a developed and terror-free region. "I appeal to all the voters going to cast their votes in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir election to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir," Shah wrote on 'X'. The Home Minister said people should vote for a government that works with commitment to the golden future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the rights of the deprived and women and the development of the region. "Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption," he added. 

Voters in the Reasi constituency turned out in large numbers, forming long queues at polling stations as the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in underway. In Reasi, BJP's candidate Kuldeep Raj Dubey is facing a strong contest from Congress' Mumtaz Khan. 

BJP chief and party's candidate from Nowshera, Ravinder Raina cast his vote at polling Station number 90 in the constituency. He also showed his inked finger after casting his vote for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections.

As the voting is underway for the second phase of the Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters to play an important role in strengthening democracy. "Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their vote and play their important role in strengthening democracy. On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time," he posted on X in Hindi. 

Baldev Raj Sharma, BJP candidate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly seat, cast his vote. "Shri Mata Vaishno Devi was the first assembly constituency formed after the constitution of the delimitation commission. The agenda is the all-round development of Katra," he told the media after casting his vote. 

As voting for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections kicked off, people are seen waiting to cast their votes at the Government Middle School in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency.  This election holds special significance for the newly created Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, marking the first time voters will participate in its electoral process.

Voters in Budgam's Nagam lined up early outside polling booths as the second phase of the assembly elections commenced today. The enthusiasm among the electorate is palpable as they wait to cast their votes. Polling is being conducted in 26 constituencies across six districts of the Union Territory. 

The voting has begun on 26 seats across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling will continue till 6 pm. As many as 239 candidates, including National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, are in fray in today’s polling.

BJP candidate from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma urged voters to come out in large numbers and support the BJP in the second phase of elections. "I want to appeal to all voters to vote in large numbers in the favour of BJP. We are very happy about the fact that our constituency is named after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi," he told the media. 

Ahead of the second phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP candidate from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma offered prayers at his residence. He also expressed his hopes for a positive outcome in this historic election for the newly formed constituency. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly Constituency, created following the delimitation process, is witnessing voting for the first time. 

Ahead of the second phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP state chief Ravinder Raina encouraged people to participate actively in the voting process. Raina expressed his optimism, stating that he hopes this phase will witness high voter turnout, setting new records in the democratic exercise. "I hope that there will be good voting and new records of voting will be set. This is a matter of joy for democracy. I urge the people of J&K to vote freely and without fear. Vote for strengthening the democracy, for a new and happy Jammu & Kashmir," he told the media. 

J-K BJP chief and party's candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina offered prayers at Thakurdwara Temple ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections, today. Voting will be held in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT today.

Amid the polling preparations, the security has been tightened in the territory. With heightened concerns over potential disruptions, authorities have deployed additional security personnel in various sensitive areas to ensure a peaceful voting process. As safety measures, security personnel have been deployed in several areas and vehicles are being checked. 

Key names in the fray for this phase are former chief minister Omar Abdullah, JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina. Abdullah is contesting from the Ganderbal and Budgam seats, while Karra is contesting from Central Shalteng. Raina will be trying to retain his Nowshera seat in Rajouri district which he won in the 2014 assembly polls. The second phase will be watched keenly as jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati is hoping to repeat Engineer Rashid's Lok Sabha poll feat against the National Conference leader. Barkati is contesting from the Beerwah and Ganderbal segments. Other key candidates in this second phase of assembly polls are Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari (Channapora), former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khanyar), Abdul Rahim Rather (Chrar-i-Sharief), and Choudhary Zulfikar Ali (Budhal) and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (Surankote).

The second phase of polling will be held in 26 seats across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir. During this phase, 93 candidates are in the fray in Srinagar district, followed by 46 in Budgam district, 34 in Rajouri district, 25 in Poonch district, 21 in Ganderbal district and 20 in Reasi district. 

Here's the list of 26 seats:

• Ganderbal
• Hazratbal
• Khanyar
• Habbakadal
• Lal Chowk
• Channapora
• Zadibal
• Eidgah
• Central Shalteng
• Budgam
• Beerwah
• Khansahib
• Chrar-i-Sharief
• Reasi
• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
• Kalakote - Sunderbani,
• Nowshera
• Chadoora
• Poonch Haveli
• Rajouri (ST)
• Budhal (ST)
• Thannamandi (ST)
• Sur