J-K Assembly Polls Phase 1: A New Chapter Begins

September 18, marks a significant day for Jammu and Kashmir as the first phase of assembly elections unfolds across 24 seats in six districts of the Union Territory. This election not only initiates a three-phase electoral process but also represents the first such exercise in the region in a decade.

Voting Details

Polling commenced at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, as per the Election Commission of India. This is the first election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, making it a pivotal moment for the region.

Constituencies Voting Today

In Kashmir, the constituencies participating in today’s voting include:

• Tral
• Pulwama
• Rajpora
• Zainapora
• Shopian
• DH Pora
• Kulgam
• Devsar
• Dooru
• Kokernag (ST)
• Anantnag West
• Anantnag
• Srigufwara-Bijbehara
• Shangus-Anantnag East
• Pahalgam

In the Jammu region, the constituencies are:

• Inderwal
• Kishtwar
• Padder-Nagseni
• Bhadarwah
• Doda
• Doda West
• Ramban
• Banihal

A Decade in the Making

The last assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir was held in 2014. The coalition government formed by the PDP and BJP during that election was unable to complete its full term, as the BJP withdrew its support for former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018. Since then, the region has been under central rule, making this election particularly significant.

Voter Engagement

A total of 219 candidates are contesting in this phase, with an impressive 2,327,580 eligible voters registered. To facilitate the voting process, approximately 14,000 polling staff will oversee operations at 3,276 polling stations.

Key Candidates to Watch

From Kashmir

Prominent candidates in the fray from Kashmir include:

• Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (CPI-M): Aiming for a fifth consecutive term from the Kulgam seat.
• Iltija Mufti (PDP): The daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is contesting from the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat, a family stronghold.
• Waheed ur Rehman Para (PDP): Contesting from Pulwama after a previous loss in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

From Jammu

In Jammu, key candidates include:

• Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Congress): Seeking a third term from the Dooru constituency.
• Sakina Itoo (National Conference): Aiming for another term from Damhal Hajipora.
• Other Notables: Sartaj Madni (Devsar) and Abdul Rehman Veeri (Shangus-Anantnag) from the PDP.

The Congress, National Conference, PDP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), People’s Conference, and other parties are in the race.

Conclusion

As voters head to the polls today, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. This election not only has the potential to reshape the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir but also to re-engage a populace eager for representation and stability after years of central governance.