PDP's Mufti Calls for Fair Elections Amid Robust Voter Turnout in J&K

Iltija Mufti, PDP candidate from Bijbehara, urges central government to ensure fair elections amid strong voter turnout. Voter participation hits 50.65% with highest in Kishtwar at 70.03% and lowest in Pulwama at 36.90%. BJP's Shagun Parihar criticizes opposition tactics.

Iltija Mufti, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Bijbehara Assembly constituency, on Wednesday highlighted a significant voter turnout, calling on the central government in Delhi to respect the mandate and ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process. Mufti stated, 'I am pleased to see people coming out to vote. I have been visiting polling booths since morning, and both the young and elderly have shown up to cast their votes. Delhi must honor this mandate and ensure that the election is free, fair, and transparent. We have received reports suggesting opposition may be engaging in malpractice, though these claims are yet to be verified. Additionally, we have complaints about the National Conference (NC) and their handling of people.'

In the first phase of Assembly polls in the Union Territory, voter turnout stood at 50.65 percent as of 3 pm. The Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 70.03 percent, while Pulwama recorded the lowest at 36.90 percent. Voting commenced at 7 am across the Union Territory and will conclude at 6 pm. Kashmiri migrant voters cast their ballots under tight security at the ITI College campus in Jammu.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, launched a strong attack on opposition candidates from the PDP and National Conference, accusing them of trying to undermine her by alleging she was playing the victim card to garner sympathy. In the first phase, 24 Assembly constituencies across the Union Territory are voting today, with 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 in the Jammu region. Voting for the second and third phases in J&K will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Vote counting is scheduled for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)