The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are reaching their final phase, with voting scheduled for Tuesday, October 1. Voters will cast their ballots across 40 assembly seats. The election's last phase sees over 3.9 million people ready to vote.
The National Conference and Congress are in an alliance, while the People's Democratic Party and BJP are key contenders.
Jammu And Kashmir Phase 3 Election 2024 Live
Key Candidates in Phase Three
Prominent candidates include Sajjad Lone from People's Conference contesting two seats in Kupwara and Dev Singh from National Panthers Party India vying for Chenani seat in Udhampur. Other notable candidates are Raman Bhalla from R S Pura and Usman Majid from Bandipora.
Nazir Ahmad Khan is contesting from Gurez, Taj Mohiuddin from Uri, Basharat Bukhari from Wagoora-Kreeri, Imran Ansari from Pattan, Ghulam Hassan Mir from Gulmarg, and Choudhary Lal Singh from Basohli. Their participation adds intrigue to this election phase.
Oct 01, 2024, 8:40 PM IST
The live blog ends here.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:18 PM IST
Jammu and Kashmir
DSP (Operations) Sukhbir Singh who got injured in an encounter at Billawar in Kathua district cast his vote at a polling station at Tehsildar officer in Udhampur today.
#WATCH | J&K Assembly elections: DSP (Operations) Sukhbir Singh who got injured in an encounter at Billawar in Kathua district cast his vote at a polling station at Tehsildar officer in Udhampur today. His wife also cast her vote. pic.twitter.com/arJUjHTxoF
"Elections to the phase 3 of the Assembly Elections in J&K recorded 65.48% polling as of 5 PM today which is going to surpass the Lok Sabha 2024 voter turnout in these 7 districts which was 66.78%. The voter turnout in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the ongoing assembly elections in J&K also recorded higher turnout than 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While 7 districts in phase 1 recorded 61.38% in these assembly elections, it was 60% in LS 2024 elections. Similarly, 6 districts that went for polls in phase 2 recorded 57.31% in these assembly elections and had 52.17% turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections," said the Election Commission.
Oct 01, 2024, 6:13 PM IST
Jammu and Kashmir
People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone said, “We are happy but a bit sad too because 10 years earlier when we contested, this was India’s most powerful Assembly and I think it is the weakest Assembly at the moment. Anyway, what can we do? These are challenges that we have to face.”
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: “We are happy but a bit sad too because 10 years earlier when we contested, this was India’s most powerful Assembly and I think it is the weakest Assembly at the moment. Anyway, what can we do? These are challenges that we have to face,”… pic.twitter.com/drO8YoLLMk
Congress leader Chaudhary Lal Singh said: "People have high hopes from these (Assembly) elections. It was very unfortunate how efforts to murder democracy, suppress elections were made... Had the Supreme Court not interfered, elections would not have happened."
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir 2024: "People have high hopes from these (Assembly) elections. It was very unfortunate how efforts to murder democracy, suppress elections were made... Had the Supreme Court not interfered, elections would not have happened," says Congress leader… pic.twitter.com/A6D2jOj6dF
Aijaz Ahmad Guroo, Independent candidate from Sopore seat said, As an ordinary Kashmiri, our aim of casting vote is to elect a representative who can take our concerns to the Assembly, but it will be possible only when there will be a CM. However, it is UT and CM does not have that much authority and L-G has powers. I would like to urge the central government to give our state (statehood) back".
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: "As an ordinary Kashmiri, our aim of casting vote is to elect a representative who can take our concerns to the Assembly, but it will be possible only when there will be a CM. However, it is UT and CM does not have that much authority and… pic.twitter.com/t7bj8YKt4x
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wooed BJP supporters in Haryana by praising the abrogation of articles 370 and 35 A in Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi said people in large numbers are participating in the festival of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
VIDEO | "Election campaigning is underway in Haryana and today, final phase of polling is taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. People in large numbers are participating in the festival of democracy there. I would like to tell all the voters of Jammu & Kashmir to caste their vote,"… pic.twitter.com/pUudnJDDS8
Handwara, Kupwara: District Election Officer Kupwara Ayushi Sudan said, "There are 6 Assembly constituencies in Kupwara and 622 polling booths. All polling and administration are working diligently. People's response is also good. People are standing in long queues to cast their votes, this is a good picture of democracy... Necessary facilities are available at polling stations in remote, border areas..."
#WATCH | Handwara, Kupwara: District Election Officer Kupwara Ayushi Sudan said, "There are 6 Assembly constituencies in Kupwara and 622 polling booths. All polling and administration are working diligently. People's response is also good. People are standing in long queues to… pic.twitter.com/SieAHPfyWe
In an exclusive interview with Oneindia, Farooq Abdullah speaks on Article 370, J&K Elections, Omar Abdullah & More.
Oct 01, 2024, 2:08 PM IST
A West Pakistani refugee expressed, "We are celebrating because we are finally able to vote for the first time. Members of the West Pakistani refugee community have never had this opportunity before. This right has been granted to us by PM Modi."
Oct 01, 2024, 1:59 PM IST
As of 1 PM in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, a voter turnout of 44.08% has been recorded, with regional participation varying: Bandipore at 42.67%, Baramulla at 36.60%, Jammu at 43.36%, Kathua at 50.09%, Kupwara at 42.08%, Samba at 49.73%, and Udhampur leading with 51.66%.
44.08% voter turnout recorded till 1 pm in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
In RS Pura, J&K, West Pakistani refugees rejoiced as they cast their votes for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
#WATCH | RS Pura, J&K: West Pakistani refugees celebrate as they exercise their right to vote for the first time in the J&K assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/UfjnDaOyB2
In Kupwara, J&K, Mir Junaid, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, expressed strong views against engaging in dialogue with Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. He criticized political parties for misleading the public and questioned the rationale of negotiating with a nation that harms innocent civilians, including professionals like doctors and engineers. Junaid emphasized that any meaningful talks should be with countries that do not pose a threat to their people.
Oct 01, 2024, 12:55 PM IST
Abrar, the son of Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer, emphasized the significance of the ongoing elections after a decade, stating that it's a crucial opportunity for the people to elect their representative. He rejected claims that they are the 'B' team of the BJP, pointing out that the BJP had previously imprisoned and mistreated his father. Abrar also asserted that restoring their identity, including Article 370 and 35A, is a fundamental right that must be honored.
Oct 01, 2024, 12:13 PM IST
National Conference candidate from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, emphasized the importance of the democratic process, stating that people are voting with the belief that their issues can be resolved through participation in elections. He highlighted his main agendas as development and advocating for the rights of the people. Kar urged citizens to vote, both to strengthen the democratic system and support the National Conference.
Oct 01, 2024, 12:12 PM IST
Irshad Rasool Kar, the National Conference candidate from Sopore, exercised his vote in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections today in Baramulla. His participation marks an important moment in this electoral phase as the region witnesses significant voter turnout.
#WATCH | Baramulla, J&K: National Conference candidate from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar casts his vote in the third and the last phase of Assembly elections today pic.twitter.com/DIbJ3iHvqQ
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar expressed optimism about high voter turnout in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He emphasized that the party has clearly communicated its message to the public, who he believes will vote in favor of National Conference candidates. Dar also reiterated that the National Conference will not ally with the BJP, and he expects the INDIA alliance to form the government after results are declared on October 8th.
Oct 01, 2024, 12:09 PM IST
As of 11 a.m., the voter turnout for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections stood at 28.12%. Key district turnouts include Bandipore with 28.04%, Baramulla at 23.20%, Jammu at 27.15%, and Kathua leading at 31.78%. Other districts like Kupwara, Samba, and Udhampur recorded turnouts of 27.34%, 31.50%, and 33.84%, respectively.
28.12% voter turnout recorded till 11 am in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
PDP candidate Javid Iqbal from the Pattan Assembly constituency expressed his confidence in victory, stating, "The large voter turnout reflects my success... If elected, I will focus on the development of the constituency."
Oct 01, 2024, 10:54 AM IST
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Jammu and Kashmir voters to participate actively in the assembly elections to reclaim their statehood.
As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers.
This is the final chance to teach a lesson to those who snatched statehood from the people of Jammu and…
After voting, BJP candidate Devender Singh Rana from Nagrota Assembly expressed that the elections represent a celebration of democracy, with enthusiastic participation from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and expressed confidence that a full majority government of the BJP will be formed for the first time in the region.
Oct 01, 2024, 10:25 AM IST
BJP candidate from Nagrota Assembly seat, Devender Singh Rana casts his vote at a polling booth in Jammu.
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: BJP candidate from Nagrota Assembly seat, Devender Singh Rana casts his vote at a polling booth in Jammu. pic.twitter.com/jy98rMxuQC
During the third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, State BJP President and Nowshera Assembly candidate Ravinder Raina remarked, "A significant number of people are participating in the final phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The citizens have engaged wholeheartedly in this celebration of democracy. The conduct of these elections has been commendable."
Oct 01, 2024, 10:02 AM IST
As of 9 AM, the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has recorded a voter turnout of 11.60%. The turnout varies across districts, with Bandipore at 11.64%, Baramulla at 8.89%, Jammu at 11.46%, Kathua at 13.09%, Kupwara at 11.27%, Samba at 13.31%, and Udhampur leading with 14.23%.
11.60% voter turnout recorded till 9 am in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
Jammu: Preparations in full swing at Ward No. 48, Gorkha Nagar, as polling for the remaining 40 assembly constituencies takes place in the third phase of elections today.
#WATCH | J&K elections | Jammu: Preparations underway in Ward no 48 of Gorkha Nagar.
Polling for the remaining 40 assembly constituencies will take place in the third phase of the elections today pic.twitter.com/SO5I5Oy7fQ
Preparations in full swing at polling station no. 21, Government Girls High School, Gandhinagar, under the Bahu Assembly constituency.
#WATCH | J&K elections | Jammu: Preparations underway polling station no. 21, Government girls high school, Gandhinagar in the Bahu assembly constituency.
Congress has fielded Taranjit Singh Tony, PDP has Varinder Singh has fielded and BJP has fielded Vikram Randhawa from this… pic.twitter.com/xoolWr0HTt
BJP candidate from the Jammu West assembly seat, Arvind Gupta, remarked, "Today marks the final phase of the elections, and these elections are historic for Jammu & Kashmir... Those who governed Jammu and Kashmir for 70 years have discriminated against it..."
Oct 01, 2024, 6:54 am IST
BJP candidate from Jammu West assembly seat, Arvind Gupta, offered prayers at the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir ahead of the final phase of the elections.
#WATCH | Jammu: BJP Candidate from Jammu West assembly seat Arvind Gupta offered prayers at the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir.
PDP has fielded Rajat Gupta and Congress has fielded Manmohan Singh from this seat pic.twitter.com/jGHnkp6vqL
Visuals from a pink-themed polling station at booths 84/85 in the Samba assembly seat during the elections.
#WATCH | J&K elections | Samba: Visuals of a Pink polling station in Samba assembly seat, polling booths 84/85.
PDP has contested Rajinder Singh, BJP has fielded Surjeet Singh Slathia and Krishan Dev Singh is the Congress' candidate from here. pic.twitter.com/QeKbNAZiac
Mock polling is currently underway at polling booth no. 79 in the Jammu North constituency.
#WATCH | J&K: Mock polling underway at polling booth no. 79 of the Jammu North constituency.
JKNC has fielded Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, PDP has fielded Darshan Kumar Magotra and BJP has fielded Sham Lal Sharma from this seat pic.twitter.com/G2dbCynPW0
Voting will occur from 7 am to 7 pm at 5,060 polling stations set up by the Election Commission of India.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:01 am IST
Security measures have been heightened across the union territory to ensure a peaceful voting process.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:01 am IST
Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed in areas previously affected by terrorism, such as Udhampur, Baramulla, Kathua, and Kupwara.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:02 am IST
Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police for the Jammu zone, confirmed that adequate security arrangements are in place.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:02 am IST
In the Jammu division, there are 24 constituencies, while the Kashmir valley has 16.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:02 am IST
Jammu district has the most segments with 11 seats, including Bishnah-SC and Suchetgarh-SC. Kathua district follows with six seats.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:03 am IST
In Kashmir division, Kupwara district includes constituencies like Karnah and Tregham. Baramulla district features Sopore and Rafiabad among others. Bandipora district includes Sonawari and Gurez (ST). These areas will see voters deciding on their representatives for the next term.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:03 am IST
Prominent candidates include Sajjad Lone from People's Conference contesting two seats in Kupwara and Dev Singh from National Panthers Party India vying for Chenani seat in Udhampur.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:03 am IST
Raman Bhalla from R S Pura and Usman Majid from Bandipora.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:04 am IST
Nazir Ahmad Khan is contesting from Gurez, Taj Mohiuddin from Uri, Basharat Bukhari from Wagoora-Kreeri, Imran Ansari from Pattan, Ghulam Hassan Mir from Gulmarg, and Choudhary Lal Singh from Basohli.
Oct 01, 2024, 7:11 am IST
People enter a polling station in Jammu as voting begins for the 3rd & final phase of the Assembly elections today
#WATCH | J&K: People enter a polling station in Jammu as voting begins for the 3rd & final phase of the Assembly elections today
Eligible voters in 40 constituencies across 7 districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today. pic.twitter.com/CnFsCyaKTe
Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, proudly displayed his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station in Jammu during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections.
#WATCH | Jammu: Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station in Jammu for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections. pic.twitter.com/cvrFuLWVlD
Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad, urged the public to actively participate in the voting process, stating, "I appeal to the people to come out and vote. The party that takes power should address the prevailing issues." He further added, "I will not speak for or against any party. It's up to the voters to decide whether a single party will secure the majority or not."
Oct 01, 2024, 7:32 am IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted today, encouraging all voters to participate in the third and final round of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. He described the elections as a "festival of democracy" and expressed confidence in strong voter turnout, particularly from first-time young voters and women.
जम्मू-कश्मीर विधानसभा चुनाव में आज तीसरे और आखिरी दौर का मतदान है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा अनुरोध है कि वे लोकतंत्र के उत्सव को सफल बनाने के लिए आगे आएं और अपना वोट जरूर डालें। मुझे विश्वास है कि पहली बार वोट देने जा रहे युवा साथियों के अलावा नारीशक्ति की मतदान में बढ़-चढ़कर…
Congress candidate from Jammu East, Yogesh Sawhney, stated, "Secularism will prevail, and the people will express their discontent with the BJP's actions over the past decade through their votes. While Congress has not promised to restore Article 370, we demand that the youth of Jammu secure their jobs and protect their land. We also advocate for the restoration of statehood. I urge the public to recognize that we are fighting for the truth and encourage everyone to go out and vote instead of staying at home."
Oct 01, 2024, 7:56 am IST
BJP candidate Sham Lal Sharma, representing the Jammu North constituency, cast his vote at the polling booth located in Purkhoo Government School, Jammu.
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: BJP candidate from Jammu North constituency Sham Lal Sharma casts his vote at a polling booth in Purkhoo Government School, Jammu. pic.twitter.com/6fxqScezcn
BJP candidate Sham Lal Sharma, representing the Jammu North constituency, stated, "This is the greatest festival of democracy. The people of J&K have eagerly awaited Assembly elections for a long time. The long lines outside polling stations are a testament to the desire for change in J&K. I am confident that voters in the 24 seats of the Jammu province will surpass voting records from previous years. I urge voters to select the best candidates."
Oct 01, 2024, 7:58 am IST
Voters line up at a polling station in Udhampur to cast their ballots in the third and final phase of the Assembly elections today.
#WATCH | J&K: People queue up at a polling station in Udhampur to vote in the 3rd & final phase of the Assembly elections today.
Eligible voters in 40 constituencies across 7 districts of the UT are exercising their franchise today. pic.twitter.com/1mZ3Gt5k46
Union Minister Jitendra Singh arrives at a polling booth in Bahu Assembly Constituency to cast his vote for the third and final phase of polling for J&K Assembly Elections 2024
#WATCH | Jammu: Union Minister Jitendra Singh arrives at a polling booth in Bahu Assembly Constituency to cast his vote for the third and final phase of polling for J&K Assembly Elections 2024 pic.twitter.com/LxLCqND54E
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated, "For the first time in many years, we are witnessing a significant turnout of voters in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a true celebration of democracy. It's important to recognize that these elections are being held for the first time in the last 30-35 years without any strike calls from Pakistan or boycott announcements. Unlike previous elections, where voter turnout was around 8-10%, we are seeing a genuine engagement. This reflects that the democracy of Jammu and Kashmir is reintegrating with the mainstream of India."
Oct 01, 2024, 9:04 am IST
Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, stated that the increase in voter turnout reflects the people's desire for change following years of state repression since the PDP took power in 2014. He emphasized that the citizens of Kashmir seek to express their feelings through democratic means, as they have historically believed in democracy and desired a democratic solution to the Kashmir issue. Rashid expressed hope that a new era of reconciliation would begin after the elections.
Oct 01, 2024, 9:05 am IST
Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted that refugees from Pakistan historically viewed the Congress party unfavorably, blaming it for the partition. Upon settling in India, these refugees were denied voting and citizenship rights due to Articles 370 and 35A. Singh pointed out the irony that this same group produced two Indian Prime Ministers, Dr. Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral. He asserted that Article 370 did not benefit the common man and suggested that many in Kashmir would support its abrogation if asked.
Oct 01, 2024, 9:06 am IST
Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, emphasized that he has no intention of aligning with the BJP, stating that power is not his primary concern. As a former independent MLA, he could have joined any party, including the BJP, but he prioritizes stopping violence in Kashmir. Rashid expressed his desire for true leadership that focuses on the public's mandate rather than traditional political behavior associated with parties like the PDP, JKNC, INC, and BJP. He reiterated that the AIP's goal is to achieve lasting peace in Kashmir.