High Stakes in Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Priyanka Gandhi Urges Voters to Reclaim Their Rights

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appeals to Jammu and Kashmir voters to exercise their electoral rights, highlighting a decade-long period where these rights were purportedly 'snatched.' The first phase of polling saw high voter turnout, with political leaders emphasizing the importance of the vote in restoring the region's statehood and rights.

As polling commenced for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged voters to exercise their franchise to reclaim their rights, which she claimed had been revoked over the past decade. 'Statehood was snatched, the right to vote and elect a government was snatched, the identity and self-respect of Jammu and Kashmir was snatched. Today is the time to change this,' she stated in a post on X.

'Your every vote will strengthen Jammu and Kashmir and your rights. Use your right to vote in maximum numbers and make India win with a huge majority.' Polling for the first phase began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi also condemned the withdrawal of statehood from Jammu and Kashmir as a violation of constitutional rights and assured voters that voting for the INDIA alliance would restore their rights. 'For the first time in the history of the country, the statehood of a state has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of the constitutional rights of all of you, it is an insult to Jammu and Kashmir,' Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

'Your every vote went to INDIA - Will restore your rights - will bring employment opportunities - It will make women stronger - Will bring you out of the 'Injustice Era' ...will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again. Today, come out of your homes in large numbers and exercise your democratic right - vote for INDIA,' he added. The Congress and the National Conference are contesting the polls in alliance, while the PDP, BJP, and People's Conference, among others, are vying for 90 Assembly seats.

The voting will conclude at 6 pm. Long queues were observed at polling stations in the morning, with J-K recording a 41.17% turnout by 1 pm. According to the ECI, Kishtwar had the highest turnout at 56.86%, followed by Doda at 50.81%, Ramban at 49.68%, Kulgam at 39.91%, Shopian at 38.72%, Anantnag at 37.90%, and Pulwama at 29.84%.

(With inputs from agencies.)