Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls LIVE updates: Polling for 24 seats in phase 1 begins; leaders urge voters to turn out in record numbers

The first phase of the long-awaited Jammu and Kashmir elections is underway, with seven districts voting today -- the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

More than 23.27 lakh voters — 11.76 lakh men and 11.51 lakh women — are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase which will see 24 Assembly constituencies contested across the Chenab Valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, as well as the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, September 18 urged the people in Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. Similarly, Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge, J&K L-G Manoh Sinha, Union Home Minster Amit Shah and other leaders have called upon the youth, women and first-time voters to exercise their franchise responsibly.
Source:www.thehindu.com