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The state of Jammu and Kashmir is poised to conclude its Assembly elections on October 1, 2024, with the third and final phase of voting encompassing 40 constituencies. This election marks a significant event, as it is the first time in a decade that Assembly elections are being held in the region. The first two phases of voting took place on September 18 and September 25 respectively, setting the stage for this decisive final phase.
The upcoming election will see a diverse array of political parties vying for power, including the Congress, National Conference, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Apni Party, CPI(M), J&K People’s Conference, and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party. With a total of 415 candidates in the fray, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, the competition is expected to be fierce.
The geographic scope of the third phase of voting includes seven districts: Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, and Jammu. A total of 5,060 polling stations have been established across these districts, each manned by a team of four election staff, totaling over 20,000 personnel dedicated to ensuring a smooth and secure voting process. This deployment reflects the heightened security measures in place for the elections.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is characterized by regional differences. In Jammu, the BJP and Congress are anticipated to engage in a close contest for the 24 seats at stake. Meanwhile, in North Kashmir, the INDIA bloc candidates from the National Conference-Congress will face stiff competition from representatives of the Jammu Kashmir People’s Conference and Awami Itihad Party for the 16 seats in the region.