A total of 219 candidates are contesting in this phase, representing a wide range of political parties. The Congress-NC alliance has centered its campaign on the promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a key issue that also aligns with the manifesto of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Voting for phase one of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is underway across 24 constituencies in seven districts of the union territory. Of these, 16 constituencies are in Kashmir, while the remaining eight are in the Jammu division. This marks the first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the first such polls held in the region since 2014.
A total of 219 candidates are contesting in this phase, representing a wide range of political parties. The Congress-NC alliance has centered its campaign on the promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a key issue that also aligns with the manifesto of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). These parties are hoping to garner support by appealing to voters' desire for a return to statehood.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has focused its campaign on reservations for OBC minorities and transforming the region into a tourist hotspot, as opposed to a "terrorism spot." The BJP's actions on security and development is aimed at further solidifying its base in the union territory.
The elections are being held in three phases, with the second phase scheduled for September 25 and the final phase on October 1. Counting of votes will take place on October 8, and the results are expected to shape the future political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Check latest updates here:
8:30 am - Iltija Mufti alleges National Conference workers bribed voters in south Kashmir
During the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2024, Srigufwara-Bijbehara candidate Iltija Mufti has made serious allegations against National Conference (NC) workers. Mufti claimed that NC party workers distributed money to voters in South Kashmir's Bijbehara and Sallar areas to influence the election outcome.
9:00 am - J&K Assembly Election 2024: Engineer Rashid Urges Voters to Oppose ‘Enemies’ of Kashmir
As the J&K Assembly Election 2024 progresses, Engineer Rashid, Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla and leader of the Awami Ittehad Party, called on the people of Kashmir to vote against those who he believes have betrayed the region. “I hope people will vote against the enemies of Kashmir, who only betrayed us," Rashid said, expressing his desire for voters to consider all aspects before casting their vote in support of his party.
9:30 am - J&K Assembly Election 2024: Voting is an act of 'self-preservation,' says PDP leader
Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the JKPDP candidate from Pulwama, urged people to participate in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Highlighting the significance of the polls, Para said, "The message is to come out and vote, and democratically participate in this festival. Elections are happening after 10 years. For us, voting is an act of self-preservation."
12:30pm - Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024: Kishtwar sees lowest voter turnout so far
In the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the Kishtwar constituency has reported the lowest voter turnout so far. As of 11 AM, Kishtwar recorded a turnout of just 26.38%. In contrast, the Inderwal seat has seen the highest voter engagement with a turnout of 40.36% during the same period.
2:00pm - J&K Assembly election 2024: Iltija Mufti promises to address issues amid polling phase
As Jammu and Kashmir enters the first phase of its assembly elections, Iltija Mufti, the PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter and candidate for the Bijbehara Assembly constituency, has pledged to tackle pressing issues. Addressing the electorate, Iltija Mufti expressed concern over the prolonged lack of elections, which she believes has exacerbated corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency in the region.
3:30pm - J&K Assembly election 2024: Congress expels leaders for running as Independents
The Congress party has expelled a district unit president and several other members from its ranks. This decision was made on Wednesday after the leaders chose to contest the elections as Independents.
4:05pm - J&K Assembly election 2024: Voter turnout hits 50.65% by 3pm; Kishtwar leads, Pulwama lags
By 3 PM on the first day of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, voter turnout had reached 50.65%. Among the constituencies, Kishtwar reported the highest voter engagement at 70.03%, while Pulwama recorded the lowest turnout at 36.90%.