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J&K assembly election 2024 highlights: Voter turnout stands at 58.85%; Kishtwar sees highest, Pulwama lowest

J&K assembly election 2024 highlights: J&K is facing its first assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370. Agencies on alert to ensure peaceful polling.
J&K assembly election 2024 highlights: Voters in queue to cast their votes outside the polling station in Kulgam.
J&K assembly election 2024 highlights: Voters in queue to cast their votes outside the polling station in Kulgam.

J&K assembly election 2024 highlights: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir voted in its first assembly election in a decade on Wednesday, September 18. Voting began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm. The overall voter turnout in the Union Territory during the first phase of the assembly election was recorded at 58.85 per cent, according to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App....Read More

The highest voter turnout so far has been recorded in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, with 77.23 per cent, while the lowest has been in Pulwama, with 43.87 per cent.

This is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since a controversial delimitation exercise earmarked 47 assembly seats for Kashmir and 43 for Jammu in its final order. Around 2.3 million people across 24 out of 90 constituencies are expected to vote on phase 1 of polling.

District-wise voter turnout percentages (till 5 pm)

Anantnag - 54.17%

Doda - 69.33%

Kishtwar - 77.23%

Kulgam - 59.62%

Pulwama - 43.87%

Ramban - 67.71%

Shopian - 53.64%

Facts about phase-1 voting

  • Of the seats set for voting on Wednesday, eight are in three districts of the Jammu region — Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, and 16 in four districts of Kashmir — Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam.
  • According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), there are 302 urban and 2,974 rural polling stations. Four election staff, including the presiding officer, will be stationed in each polling station. In total, more than 14,000 polling staff will be deployed on duty for the first phase of election.
  • Major political parties contesting the assembly elections include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
  • A last-minute alliance was stitched between Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and politico-religious outfit Jamaat-e-Islami, but their candidates will contest as Independents.
  • Key candidates in the first phase are PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami.

Follow all the updates here:
Sep 18, 2024 7:48 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Phase-I voter turnout 58.85% as of 7.30 pm, says Election Commission

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: The Election Commission of India released a statement after phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, reporting an approximate voter turnout of 58.85% as of 7.30 pm. Polling took place at 3,276 polling stations across 24 Assembly Constituencies in seven districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda. Voter participation in each of these districts surpassed the levels seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Sep 18, 2024 5:47 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voter turnout stands at 58.19% till 5 pm; Kishtwar sees highest, Pulwama lowest

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: The voter turnout during the first phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was recorded at 58.19 per cent as of 5 pm, with the highest turnout in Kishtwar at 77.23 per cent and the lowest in Pulwama at 43.87 per cent.

Sep 18, 2024 5:43 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: ‘People have decided to cast votes peacefully,’ says Cong leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: During the Phase 1 voting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir stated, “People have chosen to vote peacefully because democracy was lacking here. It is crucial for citizens to select their representatives, even though the resulting government may be largely powerless in the Union Territory.”

Sep 18, 2024 4:30 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: ‘Happy that many came forward to vote,’ says PDP candidate Iltija Mufti

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: In Anantnag, J&K, PDP candidate Iltija Mufti from the Bijbehara Assembly constituency expressed her satisfaction with voter turnout, saying, “I'm pleased to see people coming out to vote. I've been visiting polling booths since morning, and both the young and elderly are participating. Delhi should respect this mandate and ensure the election is free, fair, and transparent. We have heard reports of the other party engaging in malpractice, though these claims are not yet confirmed. Additionally, there are complaints about the NC's alleged mistreatment of voters. Engineer Rashid should be released.”

Sep 18, 2024 3:40 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voter turnout stands at 50.65% by 3 pm; Kishtwar records highest, Pulwama lowest

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: The voter turnout during the first phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was recorded at 50.65 per cent as of 3 pm, with the highest turnout in Kishtwar at 70.03 per cent and the lowest in Pulwama at 36.90 per cent.

Sep 18, 2024 3:22 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Srinagar Congress leader ousted for entering polls as independent

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: The Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday expelled a district unit president and several other leaders from its basic membership. This action was taken due to their decision to run as Independents in the assembly elections, which contravened the spirit of the party’s alliance with the National Conference (NC).

A spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said, “We will not tolerate any breach of alliance unity.”

Sep 18, 2024 3:01 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: ‘Will raise all issues,’ says PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti amid polling

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Amid the first phase of polling for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Iltija Mufti, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter and party candidate for the Bijbehara Assembly constituency, said, “People here felt hopeless due to the lack of elections over the past 10 years, which has led to increased corruption and red tape. However, the issues affecting the people will soon be addressed in the Assembly and resolved.”

Sep 18, 2024 2:48 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Uttarakhand CM and BJP leader Dhami calls voter turnout in phase 1 ‘historic’

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the voter turnout in the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, calling it “historic”. He emphasised that people are “eager for peace and development.”

Dhami also stated that since the removal of Article 370, significant progress has been made in J&K, with terrorism declining and tourism increasing.

Sep 18, 2024 2:30 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voter turnout stands at 41.17% by 1 pm; Kishtwar sees highest, Pulwama lowest

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: The voter turnout during the first phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was recorded at 41.17 percent as of 1 pm, with the highest turnout in Kishtwar at 56.86 per cent and the lowest in Pulwama at 29.84 per cent.

Sep 18, 2024 1:52 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voting resumes in Kishtwar after brief confusion among voters

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voting was halted for a brief period at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar following a protests over identification of voters.

"There was some confusion among people here, there was a crowd here and it has been resolved. There was some issue regarding identification, one person did not have an identity card. The situation is normal, voting has resumed," Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan said.

Sep 18, 2024 1:05 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: J&K Congress expels Srinagar district unit president

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: J&K Congress expelled Srinagar district unit president Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan and few other leaders from the party's basic membership for breaching the party's alliance with National Conference (NC) to contest the assembly polls as independent candidates.

"Breach of alliance unity shall not be tolerated," a spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said.

Sep 18, 2024 12:44 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Rahul Gandhi says every vote for INDIA bloc will ensure people's rights, employment

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today the first phase of voting is being held. For the first time in the history of the country, a state's statehood has been taken away and it has been made a union territory - this is a violation of all your constitutional rights, an insult to Jammu and Kashmir. Your every vote for INDIA will ensure return of your rights, will bring employment, will make women strong, will bring you out of the 'era of injustice'...will make Jammu and Kashmir prosperous again. Today, come out of your homes in the largest of numbers possible and exercise your democratic right - vote for INDIA," Rahul Gandhi posted on social platform X.

Sep 18, 2024 12:20 PM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: BJP candidate says elections have ended people's long wait

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: “The long wait of the people has ended today. I am happy that they will be able to elect the government,” said Sunil Sharma, BJP candidate from Padder Nagseni assembly constituency.

Sep 18, 2024 11:57 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: 26.72 % turnout till 11 am in phase 1 voting

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Around 26.72% voter turnout was recorded till 11 am on Wednesday. Voter turnout across constituencies are as follows.

Anantnag-25.55%

Doda- 32.30%

Kishtwar-32.69%

Kulgam-25.95%

Pulwama-20.37%

Ramban-31.25%

Shopian-25.96%

Sep 18, 2024 11:17 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Voters in queue to cast their votes outside the polling station in Kulgam

Sep 18, 2024 11:06 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Peaceful polling underway in Pulwama

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "Polling is going on very smoothly in all 4 Assembly constituencies and all our sector magistrates, zonal magistrates are also in the field. I am also visiting the polling stations and there is a lot of enthusiasm among our voters and voting is going on smoothly," said Pulwama Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Basharat Qayoom.

Sep 18, 2024 10:55 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: PDP leader hopes election would change Pulwama's image

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Pulwama Assembly constituency Waheed Para said that people want change, and this election process is to “reclaim whatever we have lost”.

“Pulwama has been stigmatized. This is an election for us to reclaim the image of Pulwama, the youth of Pulwama, and the people of Pulwama and we are optimistic. We want people to come out in this election and vote for peace, progress, development and dignity of J&K,” he said.

Sep 18, 2024 10:39 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: LG Manoj Sinha asks people to vote in large numbers

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "J&K Assembly elections commence today. I call upon all the voters whose assembly constituencies are voting in the first phase today to turn out in record numbers & exercise their democratic rights. I especially urge youth, women and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," Sinha wrote on X.

Sep 18, 2024 10:23 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Official says polls happening in 'free and fair' manner

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "Voting has started in polling stations. We are getting to see a lot of enthusiasm from the people. I hope that this time we will be able to record the voter turnout well. A very good polling exercise is going on in a free and fair manner. Those who are sitting at home, they should come out of their houses and exercise their voting rights," said Doda District Election Officer Harvinder Singh.

Sep 18, 2024 10:19 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Watch Kashmiri Pandits casting their votes

Sep 18, 2024 9:56 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: CPI (M) leader Tarigami says unemployment is a huge concern in J&K

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: CPI (M) candidate from Kulgam assembly constituency, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami urged people to vote in large numbers.

"It is very important to keep peace in the region...We demand that statehood should be restored. The constitutional rights which were taken away from us should be given back. There is a lack of industry in the region and even educated people are struggling for jobs. This is a very big issue," Tarigami said.

Sep 18, 2024 9:39 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Omar Abdullah expresses hope of victory

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the people have not forgotten the abrogation of special status August 5, 2019. He also expressed hope that people will vote for the NC-Congress alliance.

"We are hoping that people will vote for candidates of our alliance between National Conference and Congress and the one candidate of CPM. Voters will decide. We took our agenda of next five years for Jammu and Kashmir to the people. Let's see what happens. These elections are very important as they are being held after 10 years. Several things changed in these 10 years. Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two. Ladakh was separated from us. We were given status of UT (Union Territory) though we don't know how it benefitted us. We have not forgot what happened with Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019," Abdullah said.

Sep 18, 2024 9:14 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: PDP leader says voting is an act of ‘self-preservation’

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: “The message is to come out and vote, and democratically participate in this festival. Elections are happening after 10 years. For us, voting is an act of self-preservation,” said JKPDP candidate from Pulwama Assembly constituency Waheed Ur Rehman Para.

Sep 18, 2024 8:49 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Engineer Rashid hopes people vote against ‘enemies’ of Kashmir

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: “I hope people will vote against the enemies of Kashmir, who only betrayed us. I hope people will consider all the things and will vote for Awami Ittehad Party,” said Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla Engineer Rashid.

Sep 18, 2024 8:26 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Iltija Mufti alleges NC workers distributed money in South Kashmir

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Srigufwara-Bijbehara candidate Iltija Mufti alleged that National Conference (NC) party workers distributed money to voters in South Kashmir's Bijbehara & Sallar.

“This is the extent they are stooping to. Request @ECISVEEP @JmuKmrPolice to take cognisance immediately @manojsinha_ @HMOIndia,” she wrote on X.

Sep 18, 2024 8:18 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: PDP leader long queues of people symbolise anger against Union government

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "The decisions which Delhi has taken post 5th Aug 2019 and the way they have been very inhumane to the people of J&K, these queues are the testimony to that. Once we see the results on 8th October, you will see that the verdict of the people is against the decision of 5th Aug 2019. The public are not happy with the way they are being dealt with. The decisions are being pushed on them. They have no say in the decision-making. There is anger among the public and that's why they are coming out to cast their vote and show what we stand for and what we don't stand with," said PDP leader and spokesperson Mohit Bhan.

Sep 18, 2024 8:04 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Independent candidate hails ECI for starting democratic process

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: "I want to congratulate the Election Commission of India for starting the election progress in J&K after 10 years. It is my appeal to the voters that it is their right to cast their votes and they should exercise it," said independent candidate from Pulwama assembly constituency, Mohammad Ayoub Mir.

Sep 18, 2024 7:52 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says people are eager to safeguard their rights

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said people of J&K are eager to safeguard their rights and embark on a new era of true development and full statehood. He urged people to vote in large numbers.

“Every single vote holds the power to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment. We appeal to all, especially first-time voters, to participate in this crucial election and be the catalysts for change. For the first time ever, a state was downgraded to a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, do remember who is responsible for this travesty Let us unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where voices of all citizens are heard,” Kharge wrote on social platform X.

Sep 18, 2024 7:38 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: PM Modi urges people to vote in large numbers

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: “As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise,” PM Modi wrote on social platform X.

Sep 18, 2024 7:28 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Ex general secretary says ban on Jamaat is illegal

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Ghulam Qadir Lone, the former General Secretary of the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI), said the organisation told government representatives during their meetings that the ban on the outfit is “illegal” and its should be reconsidered.

Reacting to an unsigned letter circulating on social media, in which it is claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami candidates were not authorised to participate in the assembly polls, Lone said JEI's activities remain prohibited but highlighted that the organisation has formed a nine-member committee for negotiating with the Centre on the ban. (PTI)

Sep 18, 2024 7:08 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Polling for phase one begins

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: People began arriving at polling booths as voting began for phase one of assembly elections.

"Voting is necessary. There should be good work, development should be there. Business should run smoothly; peace should be there. A good government must be formed," says a voter.

Sep 18, 2024 6:57 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Security forces on high alert across J&K

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Security forces remain on high alert across the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Armed personnel and security vans remain stationed near sensitive polling booths to thwart any possible danger to peaceful conduct of voting.

Sep 18, 2024 6:54 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Watch visuals from pink polling booth set up in Kishtwar district

A pink polling booth in Kishtwar district shows the entire booth set up in pink colour theme with women personnel also clad in pink clothes and adorning a pink turban.

Sep 18, 2024 6:46 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Congress J&K president says alliance with NC reflective of 'people's desire'

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Congress J&K president Tariq Hameed said the party's alliance with the National Conference (NC) is reflective of “people's desire” to fight the divisive policies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Calling the BJP's claims of forming the next government a “jumla”, he accused the party of fielding proxy candidates in the Kashmir valley and taking out the “funeral of democracy”.

Sep 18, 2024 6:31 AM IST

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Mock polling underway across many booths

J&K assembly election 2024 live updates: Election officials on duty conducted mock polling across many constituencies to ensure seamless working of electronic voting machines and VVPAT's.

Presiding Officer of Lachh Khazana-B, FCI Store Kuleed Polling station Number 75, Ashukta Shaheen said "Mock polling has been completed. All the preparations have been done. The voters can come and cast their votes after 7 AM".

Sep 18, 2024 5:50 AM IST

J&K assembly election live updates: Union minister Jitendra Singh says Centre awaiting poll results to decide on statehood

J&K assembly election live updates: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is waiting for assembly elections to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

He accused the Congress and the National Conference (NC) of trying to take credit for something that has already been assured to the people by the BJP leadership. The minister said this is old wisdom to demand something which is bound to happen and then claim credit for it.

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