October 8: The Day J&K’s Political Future Takes Shape!

Srinagar, Oct 2: Candidates in Jammu and Kashmir are on edge as the countdown begins for the vote counting of the assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir.
All eyes are on the October 8 Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll results, with intense speculation about which party will win the maximum seats and increase its voter share.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections were held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.
The voter turnout for the first phase was 61.38%, dropping to 57.31% in the second phase, before rising to 69.65% in the final phase. Overall, the voter turnout stood at 62.78%.
With the elections completed, authorities are now preparing for the vote counting on October 8. Political parties are feeling the pressure as the results approach. While some candidates are devoting time to prayers, others are on vacation to alleviate the stress of the election.
The NC-Congress alliance is confident about forming the government, while the BJP is optimistic about emerging victorious in these elections.
Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 90 assembly seats, with 47 in the Kashmir Valley and 43 in the Jammu division.
The National Conference (NC) and Congress contested the elections jointly, while the BJP ran independently in Jammu and aligned with select candidates in Kashmir. The political competition in Kashmir was primarily between the NC, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), smaller parties, and independent candidates. In Jammu, the contest was largely between the Congress and the BJP.
J&K Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra said the NC-Congress alliance is open to working with like-minded parties and individuals for government formation in the Union Territory, if necessary.
“If the need arises, our doors are open to all like-minded people, forces, parties, and even individuals. We can discuss this with our alliance partner to explore such options,” Karra added.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders are confident they will form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.