Jammu and Kashmir assembly election 2024 live updates: 10.22 per cent turnout recorded till 9 am in 26 seats

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: JKNC candidate Omar Abdullah criticised the government for inviting foreign delegations to witness the polling process, calling them guided tourists.

He told ANI, “When the same people comment on J&K, government of India issues a statement that Jammu & Kashmir is our internal matter and others should not interfere. If you do not want interference or their comments, why are they being brought here?”

He added, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good."

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: As elections are being conducted a decade, enthusiasm gripped the people as long queue of voters were seen waiting outside the polling stations to cast their vote.

"We have been waiting for 10 years (for elections), and the first phase went well. We expect a good turnout from the second phase also...This participation is not because of the government of India it is in spite of everything the government of India did. They have humiliated people, and all the machinery of the government to detain and harass people...All election days are important. Yes, I have a personal stake in this but all phases are important..." NC vice president Omar Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: 10.22 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 2 hours until 9 am in 26 seats in phase 2 of the polls.

10.91 turnout was recorded in Budgam, 12.61 in Ganderbal, 13.37 in Reasi and 12.71 in Rajouri.

Poonch has the highest turnout till now at 14.41 while Srinagar has the lowest at 4.70.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP in a post on X for removing Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and urged people to vote for INDIA.

In his post, he said, “Your every vote for INDIA will break this vicious circle of injustice created by the BJP and bring Jammu and Kashmir on the path of prosperity.”

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged people to come out and vote for positive change on Wednesday.

The leader wrote in a post on X, "Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of change. Today, as the second phase of voting gets underway for 26 seats, I exhort the people of the Jammu and Kashmir to come out in large numbers to exercise their Democratic rights."

He added, “A vote for positive change will secure your future and guarantee unbridled welfare.”

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: The Election Commission of India has launched the home voting process in Udhampur district, ahead of third phase of the election which will start on October 1.

The move will accommodate elderly and disabled people in exercising their voting rights.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: A 102-year-old man, Hagi Karam Din Bhat, cast his vote in a polling centre in Reasi.

He told ANI, "If a good government is formed a lot of work will be done. The youth should get a good education, businesses should be set up...Everyone should come and cast their votes and appeal to all the voters to come and vote."

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Union home minister Amit Shah urged people to vote in large number for a terror free and secure Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X he said, “I appeal to all the voters going to cast their votes in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir election to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir.”

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Bharatiya Janata Party chief and candidate in the assembly polls Ravinder Raina cast his vote in his constituency Nowshera.

He has held office in Nowshera since 2014 and is hoping to continue his streak. This is Jammu and Kashmir's first assembly election in 10 years

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: PM Modi on Wednesday appealed to voters in Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to vote in the second phase of the assembly elections.

He posted on X saying, “I appeal to all voters to cast their vote and play their important role in strengthening democracy. On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time.”

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, faces jailed cleric Barkati in the Ganderbal constituency as polling begins today.

Abdullah is contesting from two seats Ganderbal and Budgam, both of which are including in phase 2 of the elections.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: The Election Commission has established several special polling booths operated by women, people with disabilities and others to enhance voter participation.

157 special polling stations have been established including 26 'pink polling stations' headed by women, 26 polling stations managed by specially abled persons, 26 polling stations held by youths, 31 border polling stations, 26 green polling stations and 22 unique polling stations.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Phase 2 of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has begun across 26 seats in six districts today.

The voting will conclude on 6 pm, after 2.5 million voters make their choice among 239 candidates.

Jammu and Kashmir polls live updates: Security has been tightened ahead of polls in Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch due to surge in terror attacks witnessed in the region.

Reasi district witnessed a terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims on June 9, resulting in the death of nine persons.

Rajouri and Poonch districts have seen over a dozen major attacks by terrorists since October 2021 claiming the lives of over 35 security personnel and eight civilians.