Asian Mail
Srinagar: Polling for the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections began Wednesday, with 2.5 million voters set to decide the fate of 239 contestants vying for 26 seats.
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The elections are being held across six districts – Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Poonch, Reasi, and Rajouri – with polling stations opening at 7 am and closing at 6 pm.
A total of 3,502 polling stations have been set up, including 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural stations. A multi-tier security system has been established around each polling station to ensure a safe voting environment.
Special initiatives have been taken to facilitate voting, including 26 women-managed polling stations, 26 polling stations managed by persons with disabilities, and 31 border polling stations.
Prominent leaders contesting in this phase include Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, who is contesting from Central Shalteng, and BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina, who seeks to retain his Nowshera seat.
The Election Commission has taken extensive measures to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience.
This phase will determine the electoral prospects of 239 candidates, including several prominent leaders. The outcome will be closely watched as it will set the tone for the remaining phases of the elections.
