Jammu Kashmir Election 2024 Phase 2 Live Updates: Over 24% voter turnout recorded till 11am in J&K phase 2 elections

J&K Election 2024 Live: Voter turnout till 11am

24.10% voter turnout recorded till 11 am in the second phase of J&K Assembly elections.

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hit out at the central government for inviting foreign delegates to observe the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, which Abdullah himself is contesting.

Abdullah said the government dismisses comments (on Kashmir) by foreign governments as India's "internal matter" but on the contrary has invited them as observers to J&K elections.

J&K Election 2024 Live: PDP candidate from Charari Sharief seat Ghulam Nabi Lone exercises his ballot

PDP candidate from Charari Sharief assembly constituency Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura casts his vote at a polling booth, in the second phase of J&K Assembly elections.

He says, "There is a good atmosphere here, the people have been waiting for elections for the last ten years. Voters are very enthusiastic..."

'Vote for your rights, vote for INDIA': Rahul Gandhi appeal voters to turn out in large numbers

Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appealed to the voters of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers after the polling for second phase began in the territory.

Urging electors to vote for their rights, prosperity and abundance, Rahul Gandhi said that each vote to INDIA alliance will bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity.

"My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today is the second phase of voting, come out in large numbers and vote for your rights, prosperity and abundance - vote for INDIA. By snatching away your statehood, the BJP government has insulted you and played with your constitutional rights. Your every vote for INDIA will break this vicious circle of injustice created by the BJP and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity," said Rahul Gandhi in a social media post on X.

Senior diplomats from US, Norway, Singapore and many other countries visiting Kashmir to witness ongoing assembly elections

J&K Election 2024 Live: NC supremo Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah cast vote in Srinagar

JKNC president Farooq Abdullah and his son & party's vice president Omar Abdullah arrive at a polling booth in Srinagar to cast their vote in the second phase of J&K Assembly elections.

Omar Abdullah is party's candidate from Budgam and Ganderbal.

J&K Elections 2024 Live: Congress hasn't done as much in the plains of Jammu as we would expect them to do, says Omar Abdullah

"Unfortunately, Congress hasn't done as much in the plains of Jammu as we would expect them to do. The lion's share of the seats that the alliance gave in Jammu was to the Congress party. Yet, the Congress' campaign in Jammu is yet to begin and there are only five days of campaigning. I hope once Rahul is done campaigning in this one seat in the valley, the Congress focuses all it's attention in the plains of Jammu."

J&K Elections 2024 Live: Voter turnout till 9am

10.22% voter turnout recorded till 9 am in the second phase of J&K Assembly elections.

J&K Elections 2024 Live: High-level delegation of senior diplomats from different countries is travelling to J&K to witness ongoing assembly polls

USA, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and Phillippines. Most of the Embassies are represented by their CdA/DCM. Others are represented by Political officers at Minister-Counselor/Counselor ranks.

J&K Election 2024 Live: J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina casts vote

J&K BJP chief and party's candidate from Nowshera constituency, Ravinder Raina seeks blessings from his mother after casting his vote in the ongoing Assembly elections.

Voting is being held in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT today.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi appeals voters to participate in J&K assembly polls

For all his primacy in J&K politics and his stewardship of National Conference, party mascot Omar Abdullah has failed to settle into a seat that could become synonymous with him over two decades of his career, as is the hallmark of political protagonists across the country. The second phase of voting on Wednesday will again spotlight the constituency-hopping by Abdullah Junior, who is trying his luck in 2024 from two seats - Ganderbal and Budgam.

J&K Election 2024 Live: JKNC candidate from Mendhar assembly constituency Javed Rana casts vote in Poonch

BJP has fielded Murtaza Ahmed Khan while Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party has fielded Nadeem Ahmed Khan from the constituency,

J&K Election 2024 Live: Amit Shah urges voters to participate in J&K polls

J&K Election 2024 Live: Omar faces competition from jailed separatist cleric Sarjan Ahmad Barkati

Ravinder Raina is up against Surinder Choudhary, a former PDP member who switched to the National Conference (NC). Key candidates in this phase include Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari (Channapora) and former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khanyar), Abdul Rahim Rather (Charar-i-Sharief), Jugal Kishore Sharma (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi), Shabir Khan (Thannamandi), and BJP candidates Choudhary Zulfikar Ali (Budhal) and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari (Surankote). Bukhari, a two-time MLA, left NC in 2022 over the Pahari reservation issue.

Omar Abdullah is contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal, an NC stronghold since 1977, beginning with party founder Sheikh Abdullah, followed by his son Farooq Abdullah, and later Omar, who won Ganderbal in 2008 after a defeat in 2002.

Omar faces a challenge from jailed separatist cleric Sarjan Ahmad Barkati, running from both Beerwah and Ganderbal. Barkati seeks to emulate Engineer Rashid’s success, who, despite being imprisoned on terrorism-funding charges, defeated Omar and Sajad Gani Lone in Baramulla during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Long queues of voters at a polling station in Reasi constituency

Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.

BJP has fielded Kuldeep Raj Dubey who faces a contest from Congress' Mumtaz Khan here.

J&K Election 2024 Live: People line up to vote in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency

People queue up at a polling station in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency of Katra to vote in the second phase of Assebly elections today.

Eligible voters in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today.

J&K Election 2024 Live: PM Modi congratulates first-time voters in J&K, urges participation in elections

J&K Election 2024 Live: Voters line up as second phase of J&K election begins

People await their turn to cast vote as voting for the second phase of elections begins. Voting being held in 26 constituencies across six districts of the UT today.

Visuals from Govt middle school in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency of Katra.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Voting begins for second phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections

Voting for the second phase of Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir begins. Eligible voters across 26 constituencies in six districts of the UT are casting their vote today.

239 candidates, including National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, are in fray in today’s polling.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Terror incidents impact election atmosphere

Rajouri and Poonch districts have witnessed several terror attacks since 2021, making security a top priority. Authorities are taking every precaution to ensure smooth voting without any disruptions.

J&K Election 2024 Live: 3,500 polling stations secured for Wednesday's vote

With 3,500 polling stations set up across 26 constituencies, officials have implemented a multi-tier security blanket. This extensive preparation ensures a peaceful and secure atmosphere for Wednesday's voting.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat added in 2022 delimitation

The delimitation exercise in 2022 added the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency to Reasi district. The reorganization also renamed Gool-Arnas as Gulabgarh, further reshaping the electoral map.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Reasi prepares with 436 polling stations

Reasi district will have 436 polling stations to serve its 237,205 registered voters. Authorities have implemented extensive security and accessibility measures to guarantee smooth voting in this area.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Poonch to operate 483 polling stations

Poonch district will operate 483 polling stations for over 350,000 voters. Authorities have made necessary arrangements to ensure safe and accessible voting for all registered participants.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Comprehensive network of polling stations in Rajouri

Rajouri district has established 745 polling stations to serve nearly 500,000 voters. Special arrangements have been made to accommodate female and transgender voters, ensuring an inclusive electoral process.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Poonch sees strong contest in ST constituencies

Poonch district will see competitive elections in its three constituencies, including Surankote and Mendhar. Voter turnout is expected to be high, as these areas have historically been active in elections.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Highest candidate numbers in Rajouri district

Rajouri district features the highest number of candidates in the second phase, with 34 contenders competing in five key constituencies. These include the ST-reserved seats of Rajouri, Budhal, and Thannamandi.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Cross-border ceasefire holding steady

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, renewed in 2021, has remained largely intact. However, authorities are prepared for any disruptions, particularly in sensitive polling areas near the Line of Control.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Terror-affected Reasi prepares for voting

Reasi district, which was the site of a terrorist attack in June, is prepared for a secure voting process. Extensive security measures have been put in place to protect voters in this vulnerable region.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Ravinder Raina seeks re-election in Nowshera

BJP’s J&K unit chief Ravinder Raina is contesting for re-election in Nowshera. His campaign faces tough competition from five former ministers, adding to the electoral tension in this constituency.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi to vote amid security concerns

Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts, known for recent terror attacks, have heightened security measures in place to ensure peaceful voting. Special attention has been given to these sensitive border areas.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Three-phase election cycle

Jammu and Kashmir's elections are being conducted in three phases. With voting in 24 seats already completed, 26 seats are up for grabs in the second phase, with the final round scheduled for October 1.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Key seats in Jammu division

Important constituencies like Nowshera, Rajouri, Surankote, and Mendhar are in focus in the Jammu division. Many of these constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), ensuring representation for marginalized communities.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Diverse candidate pool across districts

The second phase sees a diverse candidate pool, with 93 candidates in Srinagar, 46 in Budgam, 34 in Rajouri, 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi. This diversity reflects a vibrant democratic process.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Omar Abdullah contesting in key constituencies

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, two important constituencies. His performance in these regions could have a major impact on the overall election results.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Webcasting implemented for election transparency

The Election Commission has introduced webcasting at all polling stations to ensure transparency and voter confidence. This step allows for real-time monitoring of the voting process to ensure fairness and accountability.

J&K Election 2024 Live: 2.5 million voters to decide 239 candidates' fate

Over 2.5 million voters will head to the polls to select from 239 candidates across six districts. This phase of the election will play a crucial role in shaping the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Security forces mobilised for polling

Security forces, including police and central paramilitary units, have been deployed to ensure a peaceful polling process. This is part of a broader strategy to maintain order and ensure voter safety across sensitive areas.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Polling staff deployed across J&K

More than 13,000 polling personnel are stationed at 3,500 polling stations across 26 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. The second phase of elections will see critical voting on Wednesday across key regions in the Union Territory.

J&K Election 2024 Live: High voter turnout expected in key districts

Polling stations are set for over 1 million voters in Poonch and Reasi districts. Historically, these areas have shown high voter turnout, exceeding 80% in some constituencies, reflecting strong electoral engagement despite security concerns.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Terror-hit Rajouri and Reasi prepare for polls

Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts have seen multiple terror attacks since 2021. In response, authorities have heightened security across the region, especially in Reasi, which experienced a deadly attack earlier this year.

J&K Election 2024 Live: J&K Election 2024 Live: Ravinder Raina seeks re-election in Nowshera

BJP's J&K unit chief Ravinder Raina is among the prominent candidates seeking re-election from Nowshera. He is joined by five former ministers and ten ex-legislators, making this a critical phase for political veterans.

J&K Election 2024 Live: Polling in sensitive border districts, heavyweights in the fray

Voting will take place in the politically sensitive border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, as well as the hill districts of Reasi, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. Authorities have assured enhanced security, especially near the Line of Control. This election phase features major leaders like former chief minister Omar Abdullah, Apni Party's Altaf Bukhari, and BJP’s Ravinder Raina. Their participation in key constituencies adds weight to the contest, making this phase highly significant.