In a post on X, he specifically appealed to young and first-time voters to exercise their right to vote.
“As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy.I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, taking place after a decade, mark a significant milestone for the newly formed Union territories. This is the first election since the region’s special status and statehood were revoked in 2019. Seven districts situated on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain range will witness voting for 24 out of the total 90 assembly seats, amidst heightened security measures.
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In the first phase, voters in Jammu and Kashmir will decide the fate of 24 assembly seats, with 8 seats spread across three districts in the Jammu region and 16 seats in four districts of the Kashmir valley. A total of 219 candidates, including 90 independents, are vying for these seats.
The electorate consists of over 23 lakh eligible voters, including 1.23 lakh young voters between the ages of 18 and 19. To ensure a smooth and fair election process, 14,000 polling staff will be deployed at 3,276 polling stations, while multi-tier security forces from the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, and J&K Police will maintain law and order.