J&K: 7 districts to vote in 1st phase today

After a decade-long gap, the first phase of Assembly elections is set to take place on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the first such exercise since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

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Over 23 lakh eligible voters across seven districts, located on either side of the Pir Panjal mountain range, will cast their ballots for 24 Assembly segments. The elections hold immense significance, representing a return to democratic governance in the region after years of central rule and political turbulence.

The seven districts include three from the Jammu region and four from the Kashmir Valley. In total, 219 candidates, including 90 Independents, are vying for these 24 seats, with fierce competition anticipated in both regions. Prominent candidates from key political parties like the National Conference (NC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are in the fray.

Among the notable candidates are senior leaders like VOTE CPI(M)'s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, seeking a fifth consecutive term from Kulgam, and AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, running for re-election from Dooru. Other high-profile names include NC's Sakina Itoo from Damhal Hajipora and PDP's Sartaj Madni and Abdul Rehman Veeri, both contesting from South Kashmir constituencies.