Jammu and Kashmir Prepares for Second Phase of Assembly Elections
Polling parties in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, collected their electronic voting machines (EVMs) and dispatched them to polling stations ahead of the second phase of assembly elections on September 25.
Polling Preparations
Khalid Hussain Malik, the returning officer of Zadibal Constituency, emphasized the welfare measures for polling parties. He mentioned that there are around 143 polling stations in Zadibal, making it the largest assembly constituency in Srinagar district. Malik said, “EVMs and materials are being distributed. All poll parties have reached here. I think all poll parties will leave from here within the next 2 hours. There are 143 polling stations in Zadibal Constituency, it’s the largest constituency in Srinagar district. I think we will leave sector-wise after 12 pm. Our formation will be sector-wise, which will consist of sector magistrates, sector police officials, zonal magistrates, zonal officers, etc. This time ECI has stressed on the welfare of the polling parties. Their bedding, lunch, and dinner will also reach before them. Additionally, refreshments will be given. Overall, all welfare things have been taken care of.”
Security Measures
Amid the polling preparations, security has been tightened in the territory. Security personnel have been deployed in several areas, and vehicles are being checked.
Election Details
The second phase of assembly polls will be conducted on 26 assembly seats in six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The seats include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, and Gulabgarh (ST). It will also be conducted on Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote – Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
Notable Candidates
The second phase of elections will decide the fate of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and NC leader Omar Abdullah, from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats. Other prominent candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.
Previous Phase
The first phase of voting was completed in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, with a voter turnout of 61.13 percent registered across 24 constituencies in seven districts, as per the Election Commission. Voting for the second and third phases in J-K will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. Vote counting will be conducted on October 8 along with the counting of votes in Haryana.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Assembly Elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state government. These representatives make important decisions for the state.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) -: Electronic Voting Machines, or EVMs, are devices used to record votes in elections. They help make the voting process faster and more accurate.
Polling Parties -: Polling parties are groups of people who help conduct the elections. They make sure everything runs smoothly at the polling stations.
Returning Officer -: A returning officer is a person in charge of overseeing the election process in a specific area. They ensure that the elections are fair and organized.
Zadibal Constituency -: Zadibal Constituency is a specific area within Jammu and Kashmir where people vote for their local representative.
Security Tightened -: Security tightened means that more police and security forces are present to ensure safety during the elections.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a politician who was once the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He is a well-known leader in the region.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Congress -: Congress is another major political party in India. It has been one of the oldest and most influential parties in the country.