Jammu and Kashmir votes in final phase of Assembly polls, crowded fray

Voters across 40 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir are casting their ballots today in the third and final phase of the Assembly election in the union territory amid high security. The poll fray is crowded, with prominent leaders like former Deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Beig among the 415 candidates in the running.
Of the 40 Assembly constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and 16 in Kashmir division. Polling began at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 6 p.m.
The first phase of voting took place on September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61 per cent and 57.31 per cent, respectively.
Of the 24 Assembly seats in Jammu division, voting will take place in the Hindu-majority districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur. These districts hold significant importance for the BJP, which is aiming for a clean sweep, as it hopes to replicate its success from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. During that election, the BJP led in 22 out of the 24 assembly segments.
On the other hand, the Congress is keen to regain lost ground in this region. Throughout the campaign, the party has focused on local issues such as the installation of smart electricity meters, the imposition of property taxes, and alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. These concerns have struck a chord with voters, who are seeking change.
In the Kashmir division, the focus will shift to three districts in North Kashmir — Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla. Among the candidates are Engineer Rashid and Sajad Lone, two prominent figures whose constituencies will be closely watched. Sajad Lone, leader of the People’s Conference, is contesting from Handwara and Kupwara, while Rashid is defending his stronghold in Langate.
The BJP has centred its campaign around the abrogation of Article 370 and its crackdown on separatists. It remains to be seen how these themes will resonate with voters in Kashmir, a region still grappling with political tensions.
Several political heavyweights are in the fray in today’s election, representing both the BJP and the Congress. Among them:
Devender Singh Rana: The BJP candidate from Nagrota is seen as a rising star within the party. His campaign has focused on development and infrastructure.
Raman Bhalla: The Congress candidate from RS Pura-Jammu South is the party’s working president and a former J&K minister. Bhalla has emphasised local governance and administrative reforms.
Tara Chand: A former deputy chief minister and Congress veteran, Tara Chand is contesting from Chhamb. His experience of navigating regional issues could prove vital for the party.
Sajad Lone: Leader of the People’s Conference and a former separatist, Lone’s popularity in Kupwara and Handwara makes him a crucial player in this election.