“History in making”: CEC Rajiv Kumar lauds significant participation in Phase 2 of polling in J&K

NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday expressed his gratitude over a significant participation in the second phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir and said that there is a history in the making.

Kumar further said that the Election Commission is happy that voting is taking place in entire valley and Jammu with extreme “fervour’ and “enthusiasm.”

“We are very-very happy that voting is taking place in entire valley and Jammu with extreme fervour and enthusiasm. People are coming out to vote in large numbers, whether it is Srinagar or Chinar Bagh, everywhere there are people around, in long queues since morning. This is a history in the making. Be it the valley of Srinagar, be it the high mountain peaks from where the calls for disruption used to come, everywhere people are coming out to vote. Even in areas where there used to be calls for boycotts, there is enthusiasm among voters. It is for the world to see that how the elections can take place in JJ-&K in a peaceful, fair manner…A large number of diplomats are also around in the area to see the assembly elections…” CEC Rajiv Kumar said.

The voter turnout in the second phase of voting for Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections was recorded at 36.93 per cent as of 1 pm on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission.

As per the Election Commission of India, Reasi has recorded the highest voter turnout of 51.55 percent among all six districts while Srinagar has still recorded the lowest turnout of 17.95 percent, as of 1 pm.

According to ECI, the voter turnout for Poonch is 49.94 percent, followed by Rajouri with 46.93 percent, Budgam with 39.43 percent and Ganderbal with 39.29 percent.

Voting for the second phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began at 7 am on Wednesday. Over 25 lakh eligible voters will seal the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory. In this phase, 25,78,099 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballot, comprising 13,12,730 lakh male voters, 12,65,316 lakh female voters and 53 third-gender voters.

The last phase of polls will be held on October 1 and counting of votes will be held on October 8. (ANI)