Srinagar, Sep 24,: Jammu and Kashmir is geared up for the second phase of its three-phase elections, with 26 constituencies across six districts going to polls on Tuesday. Over 2.5 million voters will determine the fate of 239 candidates vying for seats.
To ensure smooth voting, the Election Commission of India has set up 3,502 polling stations, comprising 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural stations.
Prominent candidates in the fray include National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP former J&K chief Ravinder Raina. Abdullah, contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, faces a strong challenge from jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay in Ganderbal. In Budgam he is facing PDP’s newly entrant Aga Syed Muntazir.
Polling will be held on Tuesday for 26 Assembly constituencies falling in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Poonch, Reasi and Rajouri.
Other key contestants include Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, former ministers Ali Muhammad Sagar and Abdul Rahim Rather, and BJP candidates Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari. Choudhary Zulfikar Ali recently joined BJP
Following the first phase’s 61.38% voter turnout, all eyes are on the second phase. The final phase will be held on October 1, with results announced on October 8.
