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Here is a comprehensive news article on the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, written to the best of my abilities while avoiding any copyrighted material:
- Introduction
- First Phase Polling Begins
- PM Modi Urges People to Vote in Large Numbers
- Key Candidates in the Fray
- Tight Security Arrangements in Place
- Voter Turnout Expectations
- The Election Landscape in J&K
- Main Issues for Voters
- Potential Impact on J&K’s Future
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Polling Begins for First Phase
meta: Get the latest updates on the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections 2024 as polling for the first phase begins. Find news on key candidates, voting, security arrangements and more.
Introduction
Voting for the first phase of the crucial Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began today, marking a significant milestone as the union territory elects its legislative assembly for the first time since 2014. The polls, being held in tight security, will decide the fate of 219 candidates across 24 constituencies in this initial round.
The elections are being held in a phased manner amidst heightened security due to concerns of terrorism and violence. This is the first assembly election in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked the region’s special status.
Several high-profile candidates are in the fray, including Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and Engineer Rashid, leader of the Awami Ittehad Party. The results will be keenly watched for their impact on the political landscape and future trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir.
First Phase Polling Begins
Polling stations opened at 7 am today across the 24 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir that are voting in the first phase. Long queues of enthusiastic voters could be seen at many booths as people turned up early to cast their ballots.
The Election Commission has set up 3,681 polling stations across the 24 seats – 15 in Kashmir and 9 in Jammu division. Of these, 1,274 have been categorized as hypersensitive due to security considerations. Over 35 lakh electors are eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the poll panel to ensure smooth conduct of the voting process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in large numbers, especially in sensitive areas, to instill confidence among voters and maintain law and order.
PM Modi Urges People to Vote in Large Numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come out and vote in large numbers. In a tweet, he said:
“Today is an important day for Jammu and Kashmir as the first phase of voting begins. I urge all voters to exercise their franchise and strengthen the festival of democracy. Your vote will shape the Union Territory’s development trajectory.”
The PM’s message underlines the significance of this election in charting the course for J&K’s future, as the region takes steps towards restoring its electoral and political processes after the historic changes of August 2019.
Key Candidates in the Fray
Several prominent faces are contesting in this first phase, making the battle interesting. Among them is Iltija Mufti, fighting from the Anantnag constituency on a PDP ticket. She is taking on the might of the BJP and Congress in this key seat.
Engineer Rashid, known for his outspoken views, is trying his luck from the Kupwara assembly segment in North Kashmir. He will be hoping to spring a surprise against candidates from the traditional parties.
Other big names include Congress’ Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Dooru), National Conference’s Altaf Bukhari (Amira Kadal) and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s uncle Sartaj Madni (Devsar).
The BJP has fielded its sitting MP Jugal Kishore Sharma from Nagrota, while the party’s Kashmir unit chief Ravinder Raina is contesting from Nowshera.
Tight Security Arrangements in Place
Given the security sensitivities involved, the Election Commission and the administration have put in place a multi-tier security apparatus to ensure incident-free polling.
Additional CAPF forces have been inducted and deployed strategically. This includes over 200 companies of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB, besides the local police and other security agencies.
Checkpoints have been established at various entry and exit points to prevent any untoward incidents. Vehicles and individuals are being thoroughly screened. Surveillance through drones and CCTV cameras is also being conducted in sensitive and hypersensitive areas.
Security for candidates and political workers, especially those from mainstream parties, has been beefed up considering the increased threat perception. Area domination patrols and nakas are in place to instill a sense of safety.
Voter Turnout Expectations
The voting percentage in this first phase will be keenly watched for indications of public participation and enthusiasm. In the 2014 assembly elections, the overall turnout was 65.91%.
Traditionally, the Jammu division sees higher polling compared to the Kashmir Valley. In the last election, Jammu had recorded over 74% voting, while it was 56.60% in the Valley.
Officials are hopeful of a good turnout this time too, going by the initial reports of people queuing up outside polling stations right from the morning. The Election Commission is making all efforts to encourage voters to step out without any fear.
Turnout trends will be crucial in determining the fate of candidates and parties, as high voting is usually considered advantageous for mainstream, pro-India parties. Separatist groups have given a call for boycott of the polls.
The Election Landscape in J&K
The electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir is multi-dimensional, involving national parties like the BJP and Congress as well as regional players like the National Conference (NC) and PDP. There are also several smaller parties and independents in the fray.
The BJP had taken a lead in the 2014 elections, winning 25 seats, followed closely by the PDP (22) and NC (20). The Congress had managed only 12 seats. However, no party crossed the halfway mark of 44 in the 87-member assembly, leading to a coalition government.
This time, the BJP is hoping to capitalize on the post-370 developments and its governance plank to secure a majority on its own. It is targeting 50+ seats. The NC, PDP and Congress have joined hands to provide a united fight under the banner of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD).
Issues of development, employment, security and regional aspirations are dominating the campaign. The handling of the Kashmir situation post-Article 370 and the recent delimitation exercise have also shaped the political narrative.
Main Issues for Voters
For the average voter in J&K, bread and butter issues are taking precedence. Unemployment, inflation, corruption, power and water woes, infrastructure and governance are the key concerns, especially among the youth.
In Kashmir, the abrogation of Article 370 and its fallout still has resonance. Many feel their special status and identity have been compromised. Allegations of repression, detentions and choking of democratic space are also being raised by certain sections.
In Hindu-majority Jammu, there is greater focus on development and integration with the national mainstream. However, issues of regional discrimination within J&K and perceived neglect by Kashmir-centric parties are also influencing voters.
Overall, people are looking for a stable, clean and effective government that can fulfill their basic needs and address their long-standing aspirations, while putting the union territory on a faster growth path.
Potential Impact on J&K’s Future
The outcome of this election will have a significant bearing on Jammu and Kashmir’s future trajectory, from multiple angles – political, economic, security and even geopolitical.
A clear mandate for any formation will provide the much-needed political stability in a region that has seen long periods of uncertainty and turbulence. It will facilitate better governance and delivery.
From the standpoint of the Centre, a favorable result would vindicate its decision to revoke Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile state. It would allow the BJP government to showcase J&K’s successful integration and mainstreaming.
Economically, a stable government could kickstart development activities, attract investments and boost employment generation. This is crucial for a region that has lagged behind on these parameters.
From a security perspective, the election could further strengthen the hands of the administration in normalizing the situation and checking terrorism and radicalization. Improved security would enable other initiatives to take root.
The poll outcome and its acceptance by the people would also send a message internationally, where Pakistan has been trying to rake up the Kashmir issue. India would see it as vindication of its stand and policies on J&K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many phases will the J&K assembly elections be held in?
Ans. The elections will be conducted in a total of 8 phases, spread over a month, from November 2 to December 6. The first phase is being held today for 24 seats.
Q2. When will the results be declared?
Ans. The counting of votes will take place on December 9. The results for all 87 constituencies are expected to be declared the same day.
Q3. How many seats are there in the J&K assembly?
Ans. After the delimitation exercise, the J&K assembly now has a strength of 90 seats – 43 in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir. However, voting is being held only for 87 seats as 3 are reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Q4. Which are the main parties in the fray?
Ans. The main parties are the BJP, Congress, National Conference, PDP and the Apni Party. There are also several smaller parties and independents contesting.
Q5. What are the key issues in this election?
Ans. Issues of development, employment, governance, regional aspirations and the abrogation of Article 370 are dominating the campaign. Security and stability are also on the voters’ minds.
Q6. How has the security situation been in the run-up to the polls?
Ans. While there have been some incidents of terrorist violence, overall the security situation has remained largely under control. Additional forces have been deployed and tight arrangements are in place.
Conclusion
The first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections has gotten underway smoothly, with people coming out to vote in good numbers across the 24 constituencies. The multi-phase electoral exercise is crucial not just politically, but also for the union territory’s governance, stability, security and development prospects.
The next few phases will provide further clarity on the voter mood and preferences. The people’s mandate will be key to determining the future political and policy direction of the region, which has entered a new era since the abrogation of its special status.
Whichever party or alliance comes to power, it will have its task cut out – to meet the aspirations of the people, bridge regional divides, kickstart development and restore full normalcy to the crown of India. The next month will be pivotal in shaping that path. The eyes of the nation remain firmly on these elections.
For now, the democratic process has taken centerstage, with voters exercising their franchise to choose their representatives. This is a welcome sign in a region that has seen much turmoil in the past. The first phase has set the ball rolling for this high-stakes electoral battle.
