Jammu and Kashmir Sees Lower Voter Turnout in Second Phase

The voter turnout in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections showed a decline in 20 out of 26 segments compared to the 2014 elections. The overall turnout was recorded at 56.05%, down from over 60% in 2014. The data remains tentative as voting continued at some polling stations.

In a significant development during the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the voter turnout has registered a noticeable dip. As many as 20 out of the 26 assembly segments that went to the polls on Wednesday saw a lower voter turnout compared to the 2014 assembly elections.

According to the Election Commission of India, the overall voting percentage in the 2014 polls was over 60 percent for the six districts that participated in Wednesday's elections. J&K Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole announced that an estimated 56.05 percent voter turnout was recorded this year. However, this data is provisional, as voting was still ongoing at some polling stations as late as 6.45 pm.

The six districts—Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch—witnessed a slight increase in the number of assembly segments from 25 to 26 due to delimitation in 2022. While five segments in Srinagar recorded higher turnout, the rest saw lower numbers. Notably, Budgam and Chrar-e-Sharief saw the most significant declines. In contrast, the highest turnout was recorded in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi segment of Reasi district at 79.95 percent.

(With inputs from agencies.)