24 Assembly Segments to go for voting
Srinagar, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir is set to hold its first assembly elections in 10 years, with the first phase starting on Wednesday.
The elections will be conducted in three phases, with the remaining two rounds scheduled for September 25 and October 1. The first phase will cover voters from 24 constituencies across four southern districts of Kashmir and some parts of Jammu.
To ensure a safe and fair election, police have made extensive security arrangements.
The IGP Kashmir said, “We have ensured that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere, allowing people to vote freely and securely. Our focus is on providing a safe environment to encourage high voter turnout.”
A senior official of Election Commission of India (ECI) said they have made adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of polls. “Adequate security forces have been deployed around polling booths. Besides CCTVs have also been installed in polling booths. We are committed to ensure free and fair elections,” the official added.
The Congress and National Conference are contesting these polls jointly. The NC has fielded candidates in 51 seats, Congress in 32, CPI (M) in 1, and the Panthers Party in 1, while five seats will see a friendly contest between Congress and NC candidates.
The BJP is contesting solo in Jammu but has fielded candidates in some seats in Kashmir and may support Independents in others. Other major parties, including the PDP, People’s Conference, Apni Party, and AIP, are also contesting these elections.
