JP Nadda Counters Omar Abdullah's Claim Over Voter Turnout in Jammu and Kashmir Elections

Union Minister JP Nadda refuted National Conference leader Omar Abdullah's accusations regarding low voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections. Nadda claimed that the turnout percentages were significantly higher than previous elections. The third phase of voting is set for October 1, with results expected on October 8.

Union Minister JP Nadda on Friday responded to National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah's statement accusing the central government of contributing to 'lower voter turnout' in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Nadda dismissed Abdullah's claim, remarking that he was 'bad in mathematics'.

During a press conference, Nadda highlighted the polling percentages, noting, 'If one wants to see the poll percentage, it used to be 6 to 8 per cent but today it is 58 to 60 per cent. If he was bad in mathematics, what could I do? There was 60 per cent voting in the first phase and 58 per cent in the second phase.' Omar Abdullah had suggested that the central government was 'partially responsible' for the low turnout.

Abdullah had expressed disappointment over voter turnout, saying, 'I was hoping for a little more turnout. Because there was no call for the boycott, no attacks, and no attempt to suppress and threaten the voters. But I think the central government is also partially responsible for this situation. They have tried to present high turnout as a sign of normalcy at different places.' The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a turnout of 57.31 per cent in the second phase.

The ECI also detailed district-wise turnout: Budgam recorded 62.98 percent, Ganderbal 62.51 percent, Poonch 73.80 percent, Rajouri 70.95 percent, Reasi 74.70 percent, and Srinagar 29.81 percent. Polling occurred across six districts involving 25.78 lakh eligible voters deciding the fate of 239 candidates. The first phase was held on September 18.

The final phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting slated for October 8. The assembly elections are the first in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370, occurring almost a decade after the previous polls.

(With inputs from agencies.)