The second phase of the Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir holds immense significance, not only because of the sheer number of voters and candidates involved but due to the crucial role this phase plays in determining the future political landscape of the region. With 239 candidates vying for victory across 26 Assembly Constituencies, over 25.78 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the political fate of the region on September 25, 2024. The constituencies span across six districts, with three in the Kashmir Division, namely Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam, and three in the Jammu Division, comprising Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch. This broad geographical spread highlights the diverse demographic and electoral representation that is crucial for the future governance of the Union Territory.
The upcoming elections have attracted significant attention from political analysts and observers due to the dynamic nature of the constituencies in this phase. The inclusion of key regions such as Srinagar, the summer capital, and a politically sensitive area, alongside districts like Budgam and Ganderbal in the Kashmir Division, makes this phase particularly important. These areas have historically been central to Jammu & Kashmir’s political discourse, with Srinagar often serving as a bellwether for broader electoral trends in the region. The candidates contesting in these areas represent a wide range of political parties, ideologies, and independent interests, further intensifying the competition. In the Jammu Division, the districts of Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch present their own set of electoral dynamics. These areas have a mix of urban and rural populations, each with distinct political concerns. For instance, Rajouri and Poonch are characterized by their significant tribal population, particularly from Scheduled Tribes, which adds an important dimension to the electoral contest. With constituencies like Budhal (ST) and Rajouri (ST) being reserved for Scheduled Tribes, the participation of these communities is critical to determining the outcome of the elections. Similarly, Reasi’s strategic importance due to its proximity to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine brings a unique socio-political context to the region, where the tourism and religious sectors also play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment. One of the most striking aspects of this phase of the elections is the sheer number of voters eligible to participate. According to the latest electoral rolls, 25,78,099 voters, including 13,12,730 male voters and 12,65,316 female voters, are expected to cast their ballots. Additionally, 53 third-gender voters will also have the opportunity to participate in this democratic process. This wide voter base underscores the importance of ensuring fair and transparent elections, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken several measures to achieve this. A total of 3,502 polling stations have been established across the six districts, with 100% webcasting to ensure that the entire voting process is closely monitored, transparent, and free from malpractices. Among the most notable aspects of the voter demographic is the substantial participation of youth in this phase. As many as 1,20,612 voters aged between 18 and 19 years are eligible to cast their vote in the second phase, including 11,294 male and 10,065 female first-time voters. This youthful demographic is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the elections, as their engagement with the political process could signal a generational shift in the region’s governance. The political parties contesting in these constituencies are keenly aware of the importance of this segment and have tailored their campaigns to address the aspirations and concerns of young voters, particularly in terms of employment opportunities, education, and the future economic development of the region. In addition to young voters, this phase will see a significant number of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters participating in the electoral process. A total of 19,201 PwD voters will cast their ballots, alongside 20,880 voters aged above 85. This diverse voter base emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process, and the ECI has made special provisions to ensure that every voter, regardless of their physical ability or age, can exercise their right to vote. Special polling stations, including those managed by women and especially abled persons, have been set up to ensure ease of access and smooth electoral participation for all sections of society. Each district and Assembly Constituency has its own unique dynamics and challenges. In Srinagar, for example, a total of 93 candidates are contesting in the eight Assembly Constituencies, with the highest number of candidates—16—vying for victory in Habbakadal. This constituency, in particular, has been a focal point of political contention in past elections, making the competition here especially intense. In Budgam, 46 candidates are contesting, while in Rajouri, 34 candidates are in the fray. The smallest number of candidates is in Budhal (ST) in the Rajouri district, where just four candidates are contesting, indicating a tightly contested race in that constituency. The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections have historically been marked by a mix of regional, communal, and socio-political issues. This second phase of elections is no different, with the political stakes extremely high for all major parties and independent candidates involved. Issues ranging from developmental priorities, employment generation, healthcare infrastructure, and political autonomy are central to the political discourse in this election. In particular, the question of regional autonomy and the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, which was downgraded to a Union Territory in 2019, remains a key issue for many voters, especially in the Kashmir Valley. Another critical factor in this phase is the security and stability of the electoral process. Jammu & Kashmir has a history of unrest and insurgency, and ensuring a peaceful voting process is paramount. The ECI has made extensive security arrangements in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. The deployment of paramilitary forces and the use of technology like webcasting are part of a broader strategy to maintain law and order throughout the election process.
As the Election Day approaches, the political atmosphere is charged with anticipation. With 239 candidates in the fray and a voter base of over 25.78 lakh, the outcome of the second phase of the Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir will undoubtedly play a decisive role in shaping the future political landscape of the region. The significance of this phase cannot be overstated, as it not only determines the immediate political representation in the Legislative Assembly but also sets the tone for the broader aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in terms of governance, development, and peace.
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