The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is set to take place on September 25, with 26 constituencies up for grabs and a total of 239 candidates contesting. Among the key figures in this election are former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from the National Conference, who is contesting from both Budgam and Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina competing for the Nowshera seat, and Congress leader Tariq Hamid Karra running from Central Shalteng.
This phase is particularly significant as it will determine the political landscape in six districts: Ganderbal, Budgam, Srinagar, Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch. More than 25.78 lakh voters are eligible to participate, with a notable security presence to ensure a smooth voting process. The Election Commission has established 3,502 polling stations across these constituencies, with heightened security measures in place following recent tensions in the region.
The stakes are high as this election marks the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Campaigning has been intense, with prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi actively participating in rallies to galvanize support for their respective parties.
Omar Abdullah has focused his campaign on addressing local grievances, promising to review cases against youth detained under various laws and advocating for their release. Meanwhile, Ravinder Raina has been emphasizing development and national integration as key themes of his campaign.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, this phase of the election is expected to be closely watched, not only for its immediate impact on local governance but also for its implications on broader regional stability and political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir. The results of this phase will be announced on October 8, following the completion of all three phases of voting.
