J&K Assembly polls: 11.11% voter turnout recorded in first two hours

Polling begins in J&K for first-ever assembly elections since bifurcation

The first two hours of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 11.11%, according to figures released by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Inderwal Assembly constituency in Kishtwar district reported the highest turnout at 16%.

Detailed turnout figures from various constituencies are as follows:

• Anantnag: 6%
• Anantnag West: 8.55%
• Banihal: 11%
• Bhaderwah: 12.52%
• D.H. Pora: 11.10%
• Devsar: 10.25%
• Doda: 12.80%
• Doda West: 13.56%
• Dooru: 10.42%
• Kishtwar: 15.02%
• Kokernag (ST): 12%
• Kulgam: 10.98%
• Paddar-Nagseni: 12.62%
• Pahalgam: 12.56%
• Pampore: 8.81%
• Pulwama: 10.60%
• Rajpora: 9.97%
• Ramban: 13.08%
• Shangus-Anantnag East: 10.28%
• Shopian: 13%
• Srigufwara-Bijbehara: 11.60%
• Tral: 7.33%
• Zainpora: 10%

Given these early figures and the enthusiasm from voters, particularly among first-time voters and female candidates, officials anticipate that turnout may surpass the 58% recorded during the Lok Sabha elections. Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m.

Many middle-aged and senior citizens in the four south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam expressed their desire to restore Article 370 and statehood. In contrast, first-time voters emphasized issues such as jobs, infrastructure, and access to safe drinking water over the political significance of Article 370.

One young voter, Amir (name changed), reflected a common sentiment among the new generation: “Article 370 is not our priority. We need jobs, better healthcare, improved roads, and a drug-free Kashmir. The old promises no longer resonate with us; what matters is our future and stability.”

The primary contest in this phase is between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference-Congress alliance, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), despite its poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls, remains a contender in this Assembly election.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly consists of 90 seats, with 47 representing the Valley and 43 from the Jammu division, including nine Scheduled Tribe (ST) and seven Scheduled Caste (SC) seats.

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