Security Tightened in Jammu and Kashmir Ahead of Second Phase Assembly Polls

Srinagar: With the second phase of assembly elections scheduled for September 25 in Jammu and Kashmir, security has been significantly strengthened in the Rajouri district. Authorities have deployed security personnel across key areas, and vehicles are being thoroughly checked as part of heightened safety measures.

This phase of the elections will cover 26 assembly constituencies across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The constituencies include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote – Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST).

A crucial aspect of this phase is that the fate of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah will be decided as he contests from both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies.

Other notable candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina, contesting from Nowshera, and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Tariq Hamid Karra from Central Shalteng.

Meanwhile, political rallies continued in full swing on Monday. Omar Abdullah led a campaign in Ganderbal, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Singh accused Gandhi of echoing the BJP’s longstanding promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Poonch, reiterated Congress’ demand for statehood to be restored before elections but expressed hope it would happen post-polls.

The first phase of the elections, held on September 18, witnessed a voter turnout of 61.13% across 24 constituencies in seven districts, according to the Election Commission.

The second and third phases will take place on September 25 and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8, alongside Haryana’s election results.