Jammu and Kashmir polls: 57% voter turnout in peaceful Phase 2

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election recorded a voter turnout of over 56% till 7 p.m. on September 25, 2024, with no repoll required across 3,502 polling stations, according to the Election Commission of India. The Hindu reports that Reasi district logged the highest turnout at 74.14%, followed by Poonch (73.78%), Rajouri (69.85%), Budgam (61.31%), and Ganderbal (62.63%). However, Srinagar district remained a reluctant voter, with only 29.24% turnout, a marginal increase from 27.9% in 2014 and 5% higher than the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, said Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar described the polls as "history in the making" and "Jashn-e-Jamhuriyat," noting that valleys and mountains that once witnessed fear and boycott are now participating. Voters in Budgam and Ganderbal raised issues of higher electricity bills after smart meter installation, reduced ration quota, and unemployment. In Srinagar, some residents expressed disillusionment, with one voter saying the Assembly is "powerless" and cannot reverse changes after August 5, 2019, while others hoped to vote in a government that could reverse post-2019 measures.

The three districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi, near the Line of Control, saw long queues. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar, and grandsons voted in Srinagar, Omar said he expects an NC-Congress alliance government after October 8. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, 2024.