THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Srinagar, September 18: The voting for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is taking place today, September 18.
Voting began at 7 am for 24 assembly seats in the state, which include 16 seats from Kashmir and 8 from Jammu. Long queues have formed at the polling booths.
The fate of 219 candidates will be decided as their ballots are cast in the EVMs. Before the voting started, security forces were searching all vehicles entering the area.
As of 11 am on Wednesday, a voter turnout of 26.72 per cent was reported in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, according to the Election Commission.
Also Read- Jharkhand Weather: Good spell of rain brings down deficit to 1%
Officials reported a voter turnout of 11.11 per cent till 9 am.
Voting in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases. The second phase will take place on September 25, and the third phase on October 1. The results for all phases will be announced on October 8.
In the 90-seat assembly, a majority is being sought by 13 main parties. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, and the National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, are prominently contesting in this election. The National Conference has formed an alliance with the Congress. The BJP is also competing vigorously in the elections.
