J&K : The campaigning for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will officially end today. In this phase, a total of 26 assembly constituencies across five districts—Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu region, and Srinagar and Budgam in the Kashmir Valley—are set to go to the polls on the 25th of this month. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are being conducted in three phases, with the third and final phase scheduled for later. The counting of votes for all phases is set to take place on October 8.
As the second phase of elections draws near, political parties and candidates have been actively campaigning to secure support from voters. Leaders from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Congress, and other regional players, have been addressing public rallies, highlighting their agendas, and promising development and stability for the region.
This phase holds significant importance as it covers key districts in both the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. The constituencies in Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch are located in the Jammu region, where issues like security, development, and employment opportunities have been central themes of the campaign. The area is known for its diverse population, with a mix of Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities, each with its own set of concerns. Political parties have made efforts to address local aspirations, with promises ranging from better infrastructure to improving healthcare and education.
In the Kashmir Valley, the districts of Srinagar and Budgam will witness a fierce electoral contest. Srinagar, being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has historically been a political hotspot, while Budgam is also a strategically important district. In these areas, parties have focused on issues like restoration of political rights, economic revival, and addressing concerns related to Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019. The valley has also seen a push for peace and stability, with candidates emphasizing the need for dialogue and reconciliation in the face of years of conflict.
Security remains a top priority for the Election Commission and security forces, as Jammu and Kashmir continues to face challenges related to militancy and cross-border tensions. Additional forces have been deployed to ensure a peaceful polling process in these sensitive areas.
Voter turnout in the second phase is expected to play a critical role in determining the overall outcome of the elections. The second phase will be closely watched as it covers constituencies that reflect the complex social, political, and religious dynamics of the region. The results, which will be declared after the vote counting on October 8, are expected to set the tone for the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
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