Voting Begins in Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah, Ravinder Raina, and Tariq Hamid Karra Among Key Candidates
On Wednesday morning, voting for the second phase of Assembly elections started in Jammu and Kashmir. Over 25 lakh eligible voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory.
Key Candidates
Among the prominent candidates are:
- Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference vice president, contesting from Budgam and Ganderbal seats.
- Ravinder Raina, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief, contesting from Nowshera assembly seat.
- Tariq Hamid Karra, Pradesh Congress Committee president, contesting from Central-Shalteng seat.
Statements from Candidates
Ravinder Raina offered prayers at Thakurdwara Temple before the voting began. He expressed hope for a high voter turnout and urged people to vote freely and without fear. Raina stated, “I hope that there will be good voting and new records of voting will be set. This is a matter of joy for democracy. I urge the people of J&K to vote freely and without fear. Vote for strengthening the democracy, for a new and happy Jammu & Kashmir.”
He also expressed confidence that the BJP will achieve a significant majority and form the government. Raina added, “BJP should register a thumping majority in J&K and the party should form the government. Anyone could be the CM. I am an ordinary worker of the party and we work with the sense of ‘Nation First’. The manner in which BJP, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah took J&K to new heights is a matter of pride for us. When there were Congress, PDP and NC governments here, there used to be an atmosphere of fear here. Today, there is an atmosphere of joy and peace, with the efforts of PM Modi and HM Shah. You will see record voting here.”
New Constituency
Baldev Raj Sharma, BJP candidate from the newly created Shri Mata Vaishno Devi assembly constituency, performed prayers at his residence before the voting. He said, “I want to appeal to all voters to vote in large numbers in the favour of BJP. We are very happy about the fact that our constituency is named after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.”
Constituencies and Voting Schedule
The seats where elections are being conducted include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote – Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
The final phase of polls will be held on October 1, and the counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It has beautiful mountains and is known for its scenic beauty.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their leaders who will make laws and decisions for their state.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a politician in India. He has been the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ravinder Raina -: Ravinder Raina is a leader from the BJP, a major political party in India.
Tariq Hamid Karra -: Tariq Hamid Karra is another politician in Jammu and Kashmir. He has been a member of the Indian Parliament.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the two major political parties in India.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency -: A constituency is an area whose people vote for a representative. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is a new area for voting in Jammu and Kashmir.
vote counting -: Vote counting is when officials count all the votes to see who won the election.
