Kashmiri Pandits Record Nearly 40% Voter Turnout in Jammu Assembly Elections

Officials reported that nearly 40% of migrant Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu participated in the second phase of the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Voting took place at 24 polling stations located in Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur. In Jammu, 40% of voters turned out, while Udhampur saw 37% and Delhi recorded 43%, according to Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani.

The second phase of voting began at 7 am across 26 assembly constituencies, including 15 segments in Kashmir. This phase covered six districts: three in the Valley and three in the Jammu division. A total of 93 candidates were contesting in Srinagar district, followed by 46 in Budgam, 34 in Rajouri, 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi.

Voter Turnout and Key Constituencies

In this phase, a total of 6,250 voters participated, comprising 3,514 men and 2,736 women. The Habakadal constituency saw the highest turnout with 2,796 votes. This area was historically a stronghold for Kashmiri Pandits. Lal Chowk followed with 909 votes, and Zadibal recorded 417 votes.

During the first phase of elections on September 18, voter turnout among displaced Kashmiri Pandits was lower. In Jammu's 19 polling stations, it was reported at 27%, while Udhampur's single station saw a turnout of 31.39%. Out of approximately 34,000 eligible voters from this community, only 9,218 cast their votes for South Kashmir seats.

Key Figures and Candidates

In the second phase, over 15,500 voters were eligible to vote for Central Kashmir seats. More than 25.69 lakh voters were expected to decide the fate of 239 candidates. Notable leaders included former chief minister Omar Abdullah, J&K Congress President Tariq Hamid Qarra, BJP J&K chief Ravinder Raina, and Apni Party chief Syed Altaf Bukhari.

The election also featured four Kashmiri Pandit candidates. Security measures were heightened during the voting process to ensure safety across all constituencies involved.

The Assembly elections are crucial for determining political leadership in the region. The participation of migrant Kashmiri Pandits highlights their continued engagement with the political process despite displacement challenges.