Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 18, 2024, 08:53 AM
J&K Election 2024: A new chapter of history is being written in Jammu and Kashmir today. Assembly elections are being held for the first time in the last ten years and the first phase of voting has started. Voting is being held on 24 seats in three districts of Jammu and four districts of Kashmir Valley. A total of 219 candidates, including 90 independents, are trying their luck on these seats.First assembly election after Article 370This is the first assembly election since the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019. This election could prove to be a turning point in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed many changes and challenges in the last decade. The constituencies where polling is being held today include Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, DH Pora, Kulgam, Devsar, Dooru, Kokernag (ST), Anantnag West, Anantnag, Shrigufwara-Bijbehara, Shangas-Anantnag East, Pahalgam, Inderwal, Kishtwar, Pader-Nagseni, Bhaderwah, Doda, Doda West, Ramban and Banihal.Reactions by political leadersThe Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) candidate said, “After 10 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have got a chance to elect their government. People are happy and these queues are a symbol of people's anger against inflation, unemployment, bureaucracy, and dictatorship.”BJP candidate Salim Bhat, while casting his vote in Banihal assembly constituency, said, “I am very happy. This time we have to vote for development. I appeal to the people to come out of their homes and vote so that development can take place here.”Voter activismEnthusiasm for voting is visible in 24 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. The video shows people eagerly queuing up to vote at a polling booth in Kulgam, which shows the active participation of the public in the electoral process.Amit Shah's appealUnion Home Minister Amit Shah has appealed to vote in large numbers through a post on X. He wrote, "A strong-willed government is needed to create terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of citizens, and speed up development work. I appeal to the voters voting in the first phase of today's assembly elections to vote in large numbers to form a government that is committed to the education of the youth here, employment, empowerment of women, and the end of separatism and nepotism in the region. First vote, then refreshment." Waiting for the next phasesAfter the first phase of voting, a new chapter will open in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Along with the voting process, it will also be interesting to see whether these elections can bring new changes in regional and national politics. With the announcement of voting dates in the next phases, it will be clear in which direction the voters of Jammu and Kashmir will give their mandate.