The third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is in progress, with voting being conducted across 40 constituencies. This election, held after a decade, is the first in the Union Territory since its reorganization in 2019, where the restoration of statehood remains a key issue.
Polling is taking place in 40 constituencies spread across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur districts of the Jammu division, and Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts in the Kashmir Valley. Jammu district has 11 constituencies, while Samba has three, Kathua six, Udhampur four, Baramulla seven, Bandipora three, and Kupwara six.
By 9 am, an average voter turnout of 11.6 percent was recorded across the 40 constituencies. By 11 pm, the figure climbed to 28.12 percent. The same rose to 44.08 percent by 1 pm. By the end of the day, the figure stood at 65.65 percent.
Prime Minister Modi encouraged voters to participate in the “festival of democracy” by casting their votes. In an online message, he expressed confidence that young voters and women will turn out in large numbers.
The voter turnout in the earlier phases fell short of the figures recorded in the 2014 elections. The first phase of the elections, held on September 18, saw a turnout of 61.13 percent, while the second phase, conducted in regions once dominated by terrorism, recorded a turnout of 56 percent. Both figures are lower than the turnout in 2014, which stood at 66 percent and 57.31 percent for the respective phases.
ALSO READ: Bangladeshi pornstar Riya Barde held near Mumbai with fake Indian passport
This election is unique for its inclusiveness, with many former separatists, including members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting as independent candidates. The group had previously aligned with the Hurriyat Conference, which frequently called for election boycotts in the Kashmir Valley.
A central theme in this election is the promise of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. While the BJP has committed to the restoration of statehood, the Congress-National Conference alliance has prioritized it as a top agenda item in their campaign.
In the 2014 elections, the BJP formed an unlikely coalition government with Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after the election results presented a hung assembly. However, the alliance dissolved in 2018, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule.
This time, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a triangular contest among the BJP, the PDP, and the Congress-National Conference alliance. Each party is vying for control of the Union Territory’s legislative assembly in a politically charged environment.
The second phase, held on September 25, saw lower voter turnout in areas that were previously insurgent strongholds. However, officials remain optimistic that the final phase will see a surge in voter participation.
With the first two phases already completed, the Election Commission will take up the counting of votes on October 8. Political analysts are closely watching the developments as Jammu and Kashmir heads into a new political chapter.
