Strong Voter Turnout in Jammu and Kashmir's Final Election Phase

The third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a cumulative voter turnout of 28.12% by 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India. Udhampur recorded the highest turnout at 33.84%, while Baramulla saw the lowest at 23.20%. The multi-party contest involves 415 candidates vying for 90 seats.

The third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative voter turnout of 28.12 percent as of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the Election Commission of India reported. Udhampur district recorded the highest turnout at 33.84 percent, followed by Kathua at 31.78 percent and Samba at 31.50 percent.

Baramulla registered the lowest voter turnout at 23.20 percent. Other districts such as Bandipore recorded 28.04 percent, Jammu 27.15 percent, and Kupwara 27.34 percent.

The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections commenced on Tuesday at 7 a.m. across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory. Voting, which will conclude at 6 p.m., is taking place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 in Kashmir, under heavy security to ensure smooth and peaceful elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi encouraged voters to support the INDIA alliance, emphasizing the importance of every vote in building a strong future and securing citizens' rights. He urged voters to go out in large numbers, asserting on social media that the election was about the state's self-respect and people's rights.

BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, also praised the residents for showing their faith in democracy during the final voting phase.

A total of 415 candidates are contesting in this third phase. The three-phase election, which will determine the 90 seats of the former state, features a multi-party contest. The National Conference and Congress have formed an alliance, while the People's Democratic Party and BJP are key contenders. Vote counting is scheduled for October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)