J-K 2nd phase polls: PM Modi appeals to people to cast votes to 'strengthen democracy'

New Delhi: As polling for the second phase of elections begins in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged all electors to vote in large numbers to "strengthen democracy."

"Today is the second phase of voting for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play an important role in strengthening democracy," said PM Modi.

Polling began at 7 am in all 3,502 polling stations across 26 Assembly constituencies in six districts: Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu Division.

As Jammu and Kashmir hold elections after 10 years, PM Modi also congratulated first-time voters.

Voting for the second phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday morning.

Over 25 lakh eligible voters will seal the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory.

Among the prominent candidates are former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera assembly seat and Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng seat.

The seats on which elections are being conducted are Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora and Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli and Mendhar (ST).

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

(ANI)