Amit Shah and Kharge Urge Voters in Jammu and Kashmir to Participate in Assembly Elections
Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to cast their votes as the first phase of the J&K assembly elections began on Wednesday. He emphasized that only a government with a strong will can create a terror-free J&K, protect citizens’ rights, and speed up development work.
Shah said, “Only a government with a strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there and speed up development work. Today, my appeal to the voters going to vote in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is to vote in large numbers to form a government that is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women and ending separatism and nepotism in the region–first vote, then refreshment.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also urged people to vote, stating, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to safeguard their rights and embark on a new era of true development and full statehood. As the first phase of voting in 24 Assembly constituencies commences, we urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers. Every single vote holds the power to shape the future and bring about an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment. We appeal to all, especially first-time voters, to participate in this crucial election and be the catalysts for change. For the first time ever, a state was downgraded to a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, do remember who is responsible for this travesty. Let us unite and shape a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, where voices of all citizens are heard.”
The voting process began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. The first phase covers 24 Assembly constituencies, with 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 seats in the Jammu region. A total of 219 candidates are contesting in the first phase. The second and third phases of the elections will be held on September 25 and October 1, respectively, with vote counting scheduled for October 8.
This marks the first Assembly elections in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Congress and the National Conference are fighting the polls in alliance, while the PDP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and People’s Conference are also in the fray for 90 Assembly seats.
Doubts Revealed
Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is a senior leader in the Indian government. He is the Union Home Minister, which means he is responsible for the country’s internal security and law and order.
Kharge -: Mallikarjun Kharge is the President of the Congress party, one of the major political parties in India. He leads the party and helps make important decisions.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has beautiful mountains and valleys and is known for its unique culture and history.
Assembly Elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state government. These representatives make important decisions for the state.
Constituencies -: Constituencies are specific areas within a state. Each constituency elects one representative to the state assembly.
Union Home Minister -: The Union Home Minister is a top official in the Indian government who looks after the country’s internal security, police, and law and order.
Congress President -: The Congress President is the leader of the Congress party, one of the oldest and major political parties in India.
Terror-free region -: A terror-free region means an area where there is no terrorism or violent activities. It is safe for people to live and work.
Development -: Development means making things better, like building roads, schools, and hospitals, and improving people’s lives.
First phase -: The first phase is the initial part of the election process. In this case, it means the first group of areas where people will vote.
Counting -: Counting is when officials count all the votes to see who won the election. It usually happens after all phases of voting are completed.