J&K Assembly Election 2024 Phase 2 Highlights: Voting for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began on Wednesday morning, September 25, with tight security across all 26 constituencies. By 5 pm, a voter turnout of 54 per cent was recorded, with long queues seen outside polling booths, according to officials.
This phase includes 15 constituencies, featuring key candidates such as former Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal. Other notable candidates are Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina, competing for the Nowshera seat, and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra, running from Central Shalteng.
The Assembly seats going to polls in this phase include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, and Gulabgarh (ST). Additionally, elections will be held in Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election 2024 Highlights: Voting begins for the second phase across 26 constituencies in J&K. Follow Financial Express for all the election-related latest updates.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti held a roadshow in Jammu city to rally support for PDP candidate Aditya Gupta, who is contesting from the Jammu East Assembly Constituency.
In this constituency, the BJP has nominated Yudhvir Sethi, while the Congress has put forward Yogesh Sawhney. Polling for the Jammu East Assembly Constituency is set to take place in the third phase of elections on October 1, according to ANI.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah advised his alliance partner Congress to concentrate its campaigning efforts in the Jammu region, where it holds a significant share of the seat-sharing agreement with his party.
"It is a good thing. I hope after Rahul (Gandhi) is done campaigning in one or two seats of Kashmir, he focuses on Jammu. Ultimately, what the Congress does in Kashmir is not that important, but what the Congress does in Jammu is important," Abdullah said.
His comments followed the visit of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha to Sopore town for an election rally in support of Congress candidates.
The overall voter turnout was recorded at 54 per cent till 5 pm amid voting for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Here’s the constituency-wise turnout:
1. Beerwah – 62.50%
2. Budgam – 47.18%
3. Chadoora – 54.16%
4. Chrar-i-Sharief – 66.00%
5. Khansahib – 67.70 %
6. Ganderbal – 53.44%
7. Kangan (ST) – 67.60%
8. Mendhar (ST) – 69.67%
9. Poonch Haveli – 72.71%
10. Surankote (ST) – 72.18%
11. Budhal (ST) – 66.95%
12. Kalakote-Sunderbani – 66.37%
13. Nowshera – 69.00%
14. Rajouri (ST) – 68.06%
15. Thannamandi (ST) – 68.44%
16. Gulabgarh (ST) – 72.19%
17. Reasi – 69.09%
18. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – 75.29%
19. Central Shalteng – 29.09%
20. Channapora – 26.95%
21. Eidgah – 34.65%
22. Habbakadal – 15.80%
23. Hazratbal – 30.24%
24. Khanyar – 24.00%
25. Lal Chowk – 30.44%
26. Zadibal – 28.36%
In the ongoing phase 2 of J&K Assembly elections, voters are queuing at a polling station in Katra, located in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency. Contesting candidates from this area include Partap Krishan Sharma from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Baldev Raj Sharma from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Bhupinder Singh from the Indian National Congress.
#watch | J&K Assembly elections | Reasi: Voters in queues at a polling station in Katra of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly constituency.
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024
PDP has contested Partap Krishan Sharma, BJP has contested Baldev Raj Sharma and Congress has contested Bhupinder Singh from here pic.twitter.com/37QlteFvvY
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday described the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections as "history in the making," highlighting the large voter turnout in areas once marked by calls for a boycott. Speaking during the second phase of polling on 26 seats, Kumar noted that 100 per cent CCTV coverage was in place and praised the participation of youngsters, women, and senior citizens, who patiently queued up to cast their votes.
A delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the US, Norway, and Singapore, observed the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing satisfaction with the voting process. US Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan K Andrews noted the enthusiasm of voters and compared the process to elections in the US, calling it "healthy and democratic."
“It is great to see the enthusiasm; it’s great to see Kashmiris out voting after a pause for 10 years. We are very excited to see the results. It looks very healthy and very democratic,” Andrews told PTI.
The US diplomat said the process here was similar to how it happens in his country. “It is very comparable. In my country, we use schools as well for voting. So it looks very similar,” he added.
Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi, during his campaign in Jammu & Kashmir, criticised the Union Territory status, calling it "injustice" and demanded the restoration of statehood. He remarked that post-independence, no state was ever downgraded to a UT until J&K. Gandhi emphasised the need for J&K to be governed by its own people, not outsiders, and urged for democratic rights to be returned, while welcoming the upcoming elections.
The overall voter turnout was recorded at 46.12 per cent till 3 pm amid voting for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Here’s the constituency-wise turnout:
1. Beerwah – 51.25%
2. Budgam – 39.22%
3. Chadoora – 46.01%
4. Chrar-i-Sharief – 55.04%
5. Khansahib – 58.20%
6. Ganderbal – 44.41%
7. Kangan (ST) – 56.55%
8. Mendhar (ST) – 58.17%
9. Poonch Haveli – 62.91%
10. Surankote (ST) – 62.95%
11. Budhal (ST) – 59.18%
12. Kalakote-Sunderbani – 57.79%
13. Nowshera – 59.24%
14. Rajouri (ST) – 59.51%
15. Thannamandi (ST) – 59.09%
16. Gulabgarh (ST) – 65.57%
17. Reasi – 61.83%
18. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – 64.26%
19. Central Shalteng – 24.09%
20. Channapora – 22.20%
21. Eidgah – 29%
22. Habbakadal – 13.28%
23. Hazratbal – 25%
24. Khanyar – 20.50%
25. Lal Chowk – 24.22%
26. Zadibal – 23.78%
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "Breakthrough elections are going on in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K is electing for its future. There has been complete mismanagement and unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir for the last 10 years... Their resources have been distributed among outsiders. The statehood was taken away. It has never happened in the history of independent India that the status of state was reduced to a Union Territory... We are in a good position and the way the voter turnout has been, I think people don't trust BJP's gimmicks anymore and they are seeking change..."
The overall voter turnout was recorded at 36.93 per cent till 1 pm amid voting for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Here’s the constituency-wise turnout:
1. Beerwah – 40.95%
2. Budgam – 31.68%
3. Chadoora – 36.65%
4. Chrar-i-Sharief – 44.26%
5. Khansahib – 45.44%
6. Ganderbal – 35.80%
7. Kangan (ST) – 45%
8. Mendhar (ST) – 46.96%
9. Poonch Haveli – 51.57%
10. Surankote (ST) – 50.96%
11. Budhal (ST) – 47.50%
12. Kalakote-Sunderbani – 46.08%
13. Nowshera – 45.89%
14. Rajouri (ST) – 47.36%
15. Thannamandi (ST) – 47.58%
16. Gulabgarh (ST) – 53.94%
17. Reasi – 50.25%
18. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – 49.47%
19. Central Shalteng – 19.14%
20. Channapora – 18.21%
21. Eidgah – 23%
22. Habbakadal – 11.14%
23. Hazratbal – 18.70%
24. Khanyar – 16.07%
25. Lal Chowk – 19.11%
26. Zadibal – 19.25%
Amid the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said, "We are very very happy that the voting is taking place in the entire Valley and Jammu with extreme fervour and enthusiasm. Be it the valley of Srinagar, be it the high mountain peaks from where calls used to come for disruption... everywhere there are people around, long queues since morning and even in areas where there used to be calls for boycott... there's an enthusiasm."
He added, "People are giving a statement, a standing ovation to the democracy by standing so peacefully in the queues, waiting for their turn. This is the history in making in Jammu and Kashmir. It's for the world to see how elections can take place in a peaceful, fair and inducement-free manner. Today, there are a large number of diplomats also around in the area from different countries to see for themselves as to what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir."
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti addressed a public meeting in RS Pura on Wednesday and said, "Unemployment is highest in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, there used to be no crime but now the situation has changed. It’s on you to decide how you want to come out of this. We should change the doctor (referring to government) if he isn’t giving us good treatment."
The overall voter turnout was recorded at 24.10 per cent amid voting for the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Here’s the constituency-wise turnout:
1. Beerwah – 26.62%
2. Budgam – 21.78%
3. Chadoora – 24.16%
4. Chrar-i-Sharief – 28.85%
5. Khansahib – 27%
6. Ganderbal – 24.91%
7. Kangan (ST) – 30.94%
8. Mendhar (ST) – 30.90%
9. Poonch Haveli – 34.26%
10. Surankote (ST) – 33.79%
11. Budhal (ST) – 31.62%
12. Kalakote-Sunderbani – 30.74%
13. Nowshera – 21.42%
14. Rajouri (ST) – 33.77%
15. Thannamandi (ST) – 31.61%
16. Gulabgarh (ST) – 35.72%
17. Reasi – 32.31%
18. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – 31.08%
19. Central Shalteng – 12.27%
20. Channapora – 11.48%
21. Eidgah – 15.70%
22. Habbakadal – 7.40%
23. Hazratbal – 12.80%
24. Khanyar – 10.79%
25. Lal Chowk – 11.39%
26. Zadibal – 12.52%
On Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi visit to Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president and party candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam, Omar Abdullah said, "I hope after Rahul is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu. Ultimately what the Congress does in Kashmir is not important. What the Congress does in Jammu is important."
He added, "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 its attention in the plains of Jammu."
Incidentally, the National Conference and Congress have decided to contest the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in an alliance.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a post on X for removing Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and urged people to vote for INDIA.
In his post, Gandhi said, “Your every vote for INDIA will break this vicious circle of injustice created by the BJP and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity.”
A delegation of diplomats from various countries arrived at a polling station in the Bemina area of Srinagar to witness the polling process.
#watch | J&K Assembly elections | A delegation of diplomats from various countries arrives at a polling station in Bemina area of Srinagar to witness the polling process.
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024
26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are voting today. pic.twitter.com/AkmFIWfR9O
The overall voter turnout was recorded at 10.22 per cent amid voting for the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Here's the constituency-wise turnout:
1. Beerwah - 11%
2. Budgam - 8.59%
3. Chadoora - 10.88%
4. Chrar-i-Sharief - 13%
5. Khansahib - 11.59%
6. Ganderbal - 12.06%
7. Kangan (ST) - 13.52%
8. Mendhar (ST) - 14.06%
9. Poonch Haveli - 14.56%
10. Surankote (ST) - 14.57%
11. Budhal (ST) - 12.42%
12. Kalakote-Sunderbani - 12.79%
13. Nowshera - 12.03%
14. Rajouri (ST) - 13.97%
15. Thannamandi (ST) - 12.43%
16. Gulabgarh (ST) - 14.38%
17. Reasi - 12.71%
18. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi - 12.66%
19. Central Shalteng - 5.08%
20. Channapora - 4.28%
21. Eidgah - 6.96%
22. Habbakadal - 2.63%
23. Hazratbal - 5.43%
24. Khanyar - 4.40%
25. Lal Chowk - 4.28%
26. Zadibal - 5.08%
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party candidate from the Central Shalteng Assembly constituency, Zaffer Habib told ANI, "We want development in the constituency...People are coming out in large numbers to vote and they are voting for change...Statehood and special status should be restored...I appeal to everyone to vote..."
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged the people to come out and vote in large numbers. In a post on X, Kharge urged voters to “think about how they lost a decade in betrayal” while casting a vote.
He said, “Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of change. Today, as the second phase of voting gets underway for 26 seats, I exhort the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.
"When you press the voting button on the EVM, do think about how your decade was lost in betrayal. A state was downgraded to a Union Territory for the first time in history. There is widespread unemployment and rampant corruption, with land rights and social justice issues becoming prevalent," he added.
Home Minister Amit Shah urged people to vote in large numbers for "the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir".
In a post on X, he said, “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.”
Amid the second phase of voting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and said, “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.”
Hagi Karam Din Bhat, 102 years old, cast his vote for the second phase of the Assembly elections at a polling centre in Reasi on Wednesday.
He says, "If a good government is formed a lot of work will be done...The youth should get a good education, businesses should be set up...Everyone should come and cast their votes and appeal to all the voters to come and vote..."
#watch | J&K: Hagi Karam Din Bhat, who says he is 102 years old, casts his vote for the second phase of Assembly elections at a polling centre in Reasi.
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024
He says, "If a good government is formed a lot of work will be done...The youth should get a good education, businesses… pic.twitter.com/pWfZ1aRxGN
A group of diplomats from 16 foreign missions, including the United States, European Union, Russia and Australia are in Srinagar to observe the electoral process in Srinagar.
As a group of 16 diplomats reached Srinagar to observe the polls during the second phase, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah, contesting from two seats - Budgam and Ganderbal, said earlier, “It’s strange that the government always talks about J&K being an internal matter for India and discourages other countries from commenting, but is now organising guided tours to witness elections. If diplomats can be brought on guided jaunts, why have all foreign journalists – including those with OCI cards – had their requests for permission to cover the elections turned down?”
BJP candidate from Lal Chowk Assembly constituency, Aijaz Hussain said, "People have gained confidence in the democratic set-up...I am hopeful that the public will vote for development...I am confident that the BJP will emerge victorious from the Lal Chowk Assembly constituency...I appeal to voters to come out and vote in large numbers..."
Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir are exercising their franchise today. People queued up at a polling station in Srinagar to vote in the second phase.
#watch | J&K: People queue up at a polling station in Srinagar to vote in the second phase of the Assembly elections today.
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024
Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today. pic.twitter.com/iSUrcqZEvV
A total of 239 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of the J&K Assembly elections. Among the key candidates are former chief minister and JKNC leader, Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from two seats. Another key candidate is J&K BJP chief, Ravinder Raina, who is contesting from Nowshera constituency.
As the voting began, J&K BJP chief and party's candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina offered prayers at Thakurdwara Temple.
He said, "Today, voting for the second phase of elections will take place. 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..."
#watch | Ravinder Raina says, "Today, voting for the second phase of elections will take place. 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… https://t.co/duHBxFAr4t pic.twitter.com/kohTbnrZNC
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024
Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are taking place in three phases. The first phase took place on September 18 and witnessed a voter turnout of 61.38 per cent. The third phase is scheduled to take place on October 1 with counting of votes scheduled for October 8.