J-K Assembly elections phase 2 LIVE: Voting underway, Omar Abdullah, Ravinder Raina among key candidates

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