The voter turnout in the first phase of voting for Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections was recorded at 26.72 per cent as of 11 am on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday termed the withdrawal of the statehood status of Jammu and Kashmir a violation of the constitutional rights of the people there and assured the voters that their vote to the INDIA alliance will restore their rights.
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah exuded confidence in the party winning the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as the first phase of voting began on Wednesday.
Amid the first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Altaf Thakur said that J&K has changed and people want to get their voices heard through democracy. He further added that the people in J&K have now rejected terrorism and want to instead express thems
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called upon the voters to turn out in record numbers as the first phase of voting for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Pulwama Assembly constituency Waheed Para said that people want to change and this election process is to "reclaim whatever we have lost."
The first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative voter turnout of 11.11 per cent as of 9 am on Wednesday, as per the Election Commission of India.
As the Haryana elections approach and political parties canvass every corner of the villages seeking votes, there are still some areas that remain in dire need of development in exchange for their support.
Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appealed everyone to participate in the "crucial election and be the catalysts for change" as first phase of polling begins in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Expressing satisfaction over assembly elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir, CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said that people of the union territory are now hoping for a change and relief. He added that the delayed electoral process created discontent amongst the people in J&K.
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 said that only a government with a strong will can create a terror-free J&K to protect the citizens' rights and speed