Kashmir: Voting is currently in progress for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with polls being conducted across 26 seats in the Union Territory. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured the public that every polling station is under stringent monitoring to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
In a press conference held today, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasised the robust measures in place for the ongoing elections. “Every polling station in Jammu and Kashmir is being monitored,” he stated. “We have established a control room in Delhi to oversee the second phase of elections, which will also serve future election phases. People are expressing confidence in ballots and not bullets. It is a time to celebrate peaceful elections in the valley.” Kumar further added, “We are reinforcing our credibility in these elections, and the world will witness the defeat of nefarious intentions.”
Despite these assurances, the elections have not been without controversy. Mehbooba Mufti, Chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has accused a BJP candidate from Darhal of booth capturing. Mufti alleged that polling agents from other parties were being prevented from entering the booths, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. “The BJP candidate from Darhal is accused of booth capturing,” Mufti declared. She has called upon the election observers and the District Magistrate of Rajouri to take immediate action against these alleged irregularities.
The second phase of voting follows the first phase held on September 18, which covered 24 seats. Today’s polling for 26 seats saw 24.10 percent of voters casting their ballots within the first four hours since the polls opened in the morning. Voting is scheduled to continue until 6 PM, with the third phase set for October 1, covering 40 seats. The counting of votes is expected to take place on October 8.
The ECI has set up a dedicated control room in Delhi to monitor the elections, ensuring real-time supervision and addressing any issues that may arise. This move underscores the commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections, reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.
As the second phase of voting unfolds, political parties remain vigilant, with allegations of booth capturing and other malpractices being closely monitored by both the ECI and election observers. The peaceful conduct of these elections is being hailed as a significant achievement in a region that has historically faced electoral challenges.
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