Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections Phase 2: Voters Decide Fate of Key Political Figures

The second phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections began Wednesday with 2.5 million voters determining the outcome for 239 candidates vying for 26 seats. Key candidates include former chief minister Omar Abdullah and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina. Voting spans six districts amidst tight security, concluding at 6 pm.

Voting commenced early Wednesday morning for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Over 2.5 million voters are expected to decide the fate of 239 candidates across 26 seats, including that of Omar Abdullah, the erstwhile state's former chief minister.

Security measures are robust, with a multi-tier security arrangement around the 3,502 polling stations spread across six districts, officials said. The polling commenced at 7 am and will end at 6 pm amidst stringent monitoring by police, armed police, and central armed paramilitary forces.

This election phase also features special polling stations, including 26 'pink polling stations' run by women and segments managed by specially-abled individuals and youths. Leaders like Abdullah, JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina are among the key figures whose electoral future will be decided in this phase.

(With inputs from agencies.)