The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 witnessed a voter turnout of around 59%, marking the highest participation in seven election cycles.
Chief Electoral Officer P K Pole reported that the polling proceeded peacefully across 24 of the 90 Assembly constituencies. Kishtwar district saw the highest turnout, with 77%, while Pulwama recorded the lowest at 46%.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged voters to participate, especially first-time voters, calling on them to strengthen the "festival of democracy."
Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee President Vikar Rasool Wani, who cast his vote early in Ramban district, expressed confidence in securing a third term from the Banihal constituency, emphasizing the development work carried out by Congress.
In the Kashmir Valley, the primary electoral contest is between the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Meanwhile, in Jammu, the competition is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. As part of a seat-sharing arrangement, Congress is contesting in eight seats (four each in Jammu and Kashmir), while NC is contesting in 18 seats.
Despite feeling neglected, Kashmiri Pandits turned out to vote, with many expressing disappointment that no candidate had visited their community in Jagti Township, the largest Kashmiri Pandit settlement. Ex-serviceman Triloki Nath Bhat, a resident, voiced frustration over the lack of government attention to their needs over the last 35 years.
This election marks the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Several constituencies in Jammu recorded over 70% voter turnout by 5 p.m., with Inderwal leading at 80%. Voting wrapped up at 6 p.m., with no major incidents of violence reported.