Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections Live Updates: In Phase 2, J-K records over 55% voter turnout

Congress MP & Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi while campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir said, "In the history of India, after 1947 several UTs were turned into states. States were divided - Telangana was formed out of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand was formed out of Bihar, Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. But for the first time after independence, a state was turned into a UT. This was done to Jammu & Kashmir. This is an injustice to you. Your democratic rights have been snatched away from you. Today J&K, is not run by the people of J&K, it is run by the people of other states. We had thought that you would get back the statehood before elections. That would have been the correct way...But it is fine that they are conducting elections first. But we want your democratic rights, the statehood of J&K is given back to you."

After casting his vote, JKNC candidate from Charar-i-Sharief Assembly constituency, Abdul Rahim Rather told ANI, "It is a matter of happiness that the public of J&K are voting after 10 years...For the past 10 years, the public has been facing a lot of difficulties...I appeal to voters to come out and vote in large numbers..."

A delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the US, Norway and Singapore arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The delegation visited a polling station in Ompora area of Budgam district soon after their arrival in the valley, officials told PTI.

The delegation comprised diplomats from Delhi-based missions of the US, Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria and the Philippines, people familiar with the matter said.

Most of the embassies are represented by their Charge d'affaires and deputy chief of missions, they said. Others are represented by political officers at minister-counselor and counselor ranks.

With PTI inputs

A group of 16 diplomats are currently observing Jammu and Kashmir elections. Responding to their visit, JKNC vice president & candidate Omar Abdullah told ANI."...I don't understand it. When the same people comment on J&K, Government of India issues a statement that Jammu & Kashmir is our internal matter and others should not interfere. If you do not want interference or their comments, why are they being brought here? People are not voting here because they are very happy with the Govt of India. People are exercising their franchise despite all the attempts by Govt of India. Otherwise, the Govt has not left any stone unturned in last 6-7 years in troubling people...But Govt of India wants all the credit...If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good."

Security personnel have been deployed in large number across all polling booths in Jammu and Kashmir as voting for phase 2 polls in underway. Migrants from Kashmir valley, who currently reside in Jammu have cast their vote at special polling station in Jagati township, PTI reported.

"I am a migrant. We have several problems and both the Central and state governments are aware about them. We hope that whichever government comes, they will resolve our issues," a voter told the news agency.

"They promise 'ghar wapasi' whenever election comes but nothing has been done so far. We hope that it will be done this time," another voter said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP over Jammu and Kashmir statehood while urging people to cast their vote. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said the saffron party insulted them and played with their constitutional rights by snatching away their statehood.

In a post on X, in roughtly translated Hindi, Gandhi wrote, "My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today is the second phase of voting, come out in large numbers and vote for your rights, prosperity and prosperity - vote for INDIA.

By snatching away your statehood, the BJP government has insulted you and played with your constitutional rights.

Your every vote for INDIA will break this vicious circle of injustice created by the BJP and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity."

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters of Jammu and Kashmir to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Kharge urged voters to "think about how they lost a decade in betrayal" while casting vote. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of change. Today, as the second phase of voting gets underway for 26 seats, I exhort the people of the Jammu and Kashmir to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.

When you press the voting button on the EVM, do think about how your decade was lost in betrayal. A state was downgraded to a Union Territory for the first time in history. There is widespread unemployment and rampant corruption, with land rights and social justice issues becoming prevalent.

A vote for positive change will secure your future and guarantee unbridled welfare. One single vote will secure your Constitutional rights. I warmly welcome the first time voters, who look forward to a better future. These elections are a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir and let us use the power of Democracy to make that change happen."

As second phase of voting is underway across 26 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, security personnel including police, armed police and central armed paramilitary forces have been deployed in large numbers. A multi-tier security blanket has been thrown around each polling station to ensure the voting for the second phase is held in an atmosphere free of fear, officials told PTI.

For this phase, 157 special polling stations have been established--- 26 'pink polling stations' managed by women, 26 polling stations manned by specially-abled persons, 26 polling stations manned by youths, 31 border polling stations, 26 green polling stations and 22 unique polling stations, the officials said. Polling is scheduled till 6 pm today.

“I, for the first time, have cast my vote and that too for myself. I am enthusiastic and happy. I want to move forward and work for people,” Independent candidate from Reasi Assembly Constituency Diksha Kaluria told PTI after casting her vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed Jammu and Kashmir citizens to cast their vote as second phase of polling is underway in 26 seats. "I appeal to all voters that they must cast their votes and play an important role in strengthening democracy," Modi said while greeting the first-time voters.

With PTI inputs

As a group of 16 diplomats are set to observe the polls, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah commented earlier, “It’s strange that the government always talks about J&K being an internal matter for India and discourages other countries from commenting, but is now organising guided tours to witness elections. If diplomats can be brought on guided jaunts, why have all foreign journalists – including those with OCI cards – had their requests for permission to cover the elections turned down?”

The second phase of voting for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has begun, with 26 seats going to polls. The second phase including 15 constituencies in the Kashmir division and 11 in Jammu, will witness key contests of candidates such as National Conference Vice President and former CM Omar Abdullah, BJP’s J&K chief Ravinder Raina. J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra is also in the fray from the Central Shalteng seat.

As phase 2 of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls will be held today, a group of diplomats from 16 foreign missions, including the United States, European Union, Russia and Australia are set to arrive in Srinagar. This phase, which includes 15 constituencies in the Kashmir division and 11 in Jammu, will determine the fate of high-profile faces like National Conference Vice President and former CM Omar Abdullah, BJP’s J&K chief Ravinder Raina. J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra is also in the fray from the Central Shalteng seat. Stay tuned here we bring you latest updates from the polls.