Jammu Kashmir Election 2024 Phase 2 Live Updates: Omar vs jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Barkati as voting under way in phase 2

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.