Highest 16 candidates in Habbakadal; Budhal witnesses tight race with just 4 contenders
3,502 Polling Stations set up with webcasting for fair & transparent voting
SRINAGAR, SEPT 23: Over 25.78 lakh voters are set to determine the political future of 239 candidates in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Elections, scheduled for September 25, 2024.
This phase covers 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across six districts, including Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in Jammu Division. Among the constituencies, Habbakadal AC has the highest number of candidates at 16, while Budhal AC sees a close contest with just four candidates in the fray.
In the Kashmir Division, 15 ACs are up for election, including Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, and Chadoora. In the Jammu Division, the 11 ACs going to polls include Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).
According to the latest electoral rolls, 25,78,099 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase. This includes 13,12,730 male voters, 12,65,316 female voters, and 53 third-gender voters. Significantly, 1,20,612 first-time voters aged 18 to 19 are eligible to participate, comprising 11,294 male and 10,065 female voters.
The second phase also includes 19,201 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 20,880 voters above the age of 85. To ensure smooth voting, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 3,502 polling stations, with 100% webcasting across all locations for transparency.
In Srinagar, 93 candidates are contesting across eight constituencies, including 16 in Habbakadal and 13 each in Hazratbal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng. Budgam has 46 candidates vying for five seats, with 12 in Beerwah and 10 each in Khansahib and Chrar-i-Sharief. Ganderbal sees 21 candidates, including 15 in Ganderbal AC.
In Jammu Division, Rajouri has 34 candidates across five ACs, including 11 in Kalakote-Sunderbani and 8 in Rajouri (ST). Poonch features 25 candidates, while Reasi has 20 candidates across its three ACs, with 7 each in Reasi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ACs.
Srinagar has a total of 7,76,674 registered voters, including 3,87,722 males, 3,88,922 females, and 30 third-gender voters. Rajouri boasts 4,92,008 voters, while Budgam has 5,11,864 registered voters across its five ACs. Poonch’s three constituencies are home to 3,52,330 voters, and Reasi’s three ACs include 2,37,205 voters. Ganderbal district has 2,08,018 voters.
To encourage greater voter participation, 157 special polling stations have been established, including 26 Pink Polling Stations managed by women, 26 polling stations manned by specially-abled individuals, and 26 stations managed by youths. Additionally, 31 border polling stations, 26 green polling stations, and 22 unique polling stations will be operational.
Voting will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm across all constituencies.
