Anantnag- In the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, voters flocked to the polls in unprecedented numbers, including many first-time participants.
This marked the region’s first assembly election in a decade, and the first since the revocation of Article 370 and its reorganization as a Union Territory.
Voting took place for 24 assembly seats across seven districts in Jammu and Kashmir, including areas that were once reluctant to participate in the electoral process.
This time, however, districts such as Shopian, Tral, and Pulwama—often in the shadow of insurgency—saw an enthusiastic voter turnout. What makes this election particularly notable is not just the ten-year gap, but also the transformation of the electoral landscape post-Article 370- change that has injected fresh optimism into the region.
The first phase of the election held on Tuesday concluded with an overall polling turnout of 58.85%. A comparative analysis of voter turnout reveals the changing political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir. For instance, Anantnag saw a rise from 39.7% in 2014 to 54.17% in 2024, while districts like Pulwama, often hit hardest by conflict, experienced an increase from 38.1% in 2014 to 43.87% this year.
LG Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to voters for participating in what he called a “historic voter turnout.” He highlighted the significance of the elections as a testament to the strength of Indian democracy, noting the region’s transformation from fear and conflict to one where voters proudly exercise their democratic rights. In his tweet, Sinha said, “Record polling in the peaceful, free & fair election attests to the strength of Indian democracy & people’s faith in democratic values.” He also praised the efforts of security forces, the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and election officials, while commending first-time voters, particularly women, for coming out in large numbers.
For this election, a total of 219 candidates competed across 16 assembly constituencies in Kashmir division and eight constituencies in Jammu division. Over 23.27 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes, with 3,276 polling stations set up to ensure a smooth voting process. The districts where voting took place included Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam in the Kashmir division, and Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar in the Jammu division.
Demographics played a crucial role in this election, with a significant proportion of young voters between the ages of 18 to 29 years, including 1.23 lakh first-time voters. Notably, the election also saw the inclusion of 60 third-gender voters and 28,309 persons with disabilities (PWD), indicating the region’s efforts toward an inclusive democracy.
In terms of voter turnout by district, Anantnag, a critical region in Kashmir, registered 54.17% turnout, while Doda in Jammu, known for its high voter engagement, saw 63.33%. Despite a marginal dip in areas like Kishtwar and Ramban, with 77.23% and 67.71% turnout respectively, the overall sentiment remained one of participation and engagement. Other key districts like Kulgam and Shopian also witnessed respectable turnouts of 59.62% and 54.64%.
Polling was held in assembly constituencies such as Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and several others across both divisions. Each of these constituencies saw candidates from various political backgrounds compete for seats, reflecting the diversity of political thought and the multi-faceted nature of Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral landscape.
For many, this election was not just about voting, but about reclaiming a sense of agency and participation in the democratic process. For years, the region struggled with the fear of terrorism and the weight of political instability, but today’s election signals a shift towards normalcy and a brighter, more democratic future.
With approximately 59% turnout in the first phase, the region has made a powerful statement about its faith in democracy. Voters from all walks of life, including the elderly and first-time voters, stood in long queues, undeterred by past fears or political uncertainties. The image of these voters, from districts like Doda and Anantnag, casting their ballots serves as a symbolic rebuke to the adversaries of peace and democracy, and a firm reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s place within the democratic framework of India
‘Crops Can Wait, Voting Can’t’
Despite the ongoing apple and paddy harvest season, residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district turned out in impressive numbers to cast their votes in three key assembly segments. While the fields were bustling with activity, voters made time to participate in the democratic process.
Among the voters was Abdul Majid, a labourer working in a paddy field. “It is a crucial time for us as the paddy needs to be cut and transported to threshing yards, but this vote is even more important. Our future is at stake, and we cannot miss this opportunity to choose our representatives,” he said.
Another local labourer, Bashir Ahmad, said. “The apple harvest is in full swing. I have been picking apples for the past couple of days, but early this morning I rushed here to vote. We labour all year in these orchards, but if we don’t vote, our voices won’t be heard.”
The sight of voters still wearing their work clothes was common, as women and men alike stepped away from their fields and orchards to join the polling lines.
Shakeela Bano, who had been busy in an orchard earlier, said, “It is exhausting to balance both harvesting and voting, but this is our right. We may be labourers, but we understand the value of our vote.”
Mohammad Yousuf, an apple picker from Yaripora village, said, “The crops can wait for a while, but voting can’t. We don’t get many chances to elect a leader here—it takes years, so this election is important.”
The district comprises three assembly constituencies: D.H. Pora, Kulgam and Devsar, with 3,28,740 registered voters, including 1,64,829 males, 1,63,898 females, and 13 transgender voters.
Overall, Kulgam district recorded an approximate voter turnout of 62.61 percent. D.H. Pora Assembly segment recorded the highest voter turnout in Kulgam at 68.43 percent, followed by Kulgam at 62.74 percent and Devsar at 57.34 percent.
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