CM Yadav Urges High Voter Turnout in J&K's Pivotal Third Phase Assembly Elections

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav appeals to J&K voters to participate in the third phase of assembly elections. The polling began on Tuesday across 40 constituencies. The first and second phases saw voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively. Vote counting is slated for October 8.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has called on voters in Jammu and Kashmir to turn out in large numbers for the third phase of the assembly elections in the Union Territory. The crucial voting phase began on Tuesday, with citizens lining up at polling stations across 40 constituencies in seven districts.

Posting on social media platform X, CM Yadav emphasized the importance of each vote for the future progress of Jammu and Kashmir. "Voting is going on for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Every vote is extremely important for the progress and bright future of the union territory. I appeal to all the voters to vote for giving a pace to the progress of the new Jammu and Kashmir," Yadav stated. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the initial voter turnout was 11.60% as of 9 am on Tuesday.

Udhampur district led the voter turnout with 14.23%, followed by Samba at 13.31%, Kathua at 13.09%, Bandipore at 11.64%, Jammu at 11.46%, Kupwara at 11.27%, and Baramulla at 8.89%. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. Security measures have been heightened to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process across 24 constituencies in Jammu and 16 in Kashmir.

The campaign for the third and final phase ended on Sunday evening, marking this election as significant—it's the first in a decade and since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election includes a contest for 90 seats with parties like the National Conference, Congress, PDP, and BJP vying for control. The first and second phases on September 18 and 25 saw voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)