J-K Sees 41.17% Turnout in First Phase of Polls Amid Incident in Kishtwar

Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 41.17% voter turnout by 1 pm in the first phase of polling. An incident in Kishtwar temporarily halted voting, later resumed. BJP and National Conference candidates expressed confidence in their parties' success. Voting will continue across 24 constituencies, concluding at 6 pm.

Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 41.17% voter turnout as of 1 pm during the first phase of elections, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Kishtwar led with 56.86%, followed by Doda at 50.81%, and Ramban at 49.68%. Lower turnouts were observed in Kulgam (39.91%), Shopian (38.72%), Anantnag (37.90%), and Pulwama at 29.84%.

Voting commenced at 7 am and is ongoing across the Union Territory, set to conclude at 6 pm. There was a brief halt at a polling station in Kishtwar's Bagwan Mohalla due to a protest over voter identification issues. However, Kishtwar District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Shavan assured that the confusion was resolved, and voting resumed without further issues.

Notably, Kashmiri migrant voters participated under high security at the ITI College Campus in Jammu. BJP candidate from Ramban, Rakesh Thakur, expressed confidence in the party's victory, citing development post-Article 370 abrogation. Sajad Shaheen, National Conference candidate from Banihal, highlighted strong public support and a positive atmosphere, anticipating a major win for his party.

The first phase covers 24 assembly constituencies, with 16 in the Kashmir region and eight in the Jammu region. Subsequent phases are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with vote counting on October 8. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)