JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 26: Union Minister and BJP election in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, G Kishan Reddy, stated on Thursday that elections in Jammu and Kashmir have never been held so peacefully since Independence. He credited the increased voter turnout during the first and second phases to the efforts of the BJP-led government and the Election Commission.
The third and final phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with the counting of votes to follow on October 8. Reddy expressed confidence in the BJP’s performance, claiming the party is on track to secure a majority based on the polling held on September 18 and 25.
“I am thankful to the Government of India and the Election Commission. For the first time since Independence, elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been conducted so peacefully. The increase in voter turnout is a significant achievement for both the Central Government and the Election Commission,” Reddy said.
He also highlighted the BJP’s contributions to the region, emphasizing the implementation of various development schemes and the restoration of peace, which has led to a surge in tourism. “There was once fear in visiting Jammu and Kashmir, but in the past year alone, 2.11 crore tourists have visited,” he noted.
Reddy expressed confidence that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will vote for the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating, “I am fully confident that the people here will support the BJP. The party is set to secure a majority in the first two phases and will win 100 percent of the seats in Jammu.”
The second phase of voting saw a 57.03% turnout by 11:45 pm, according to the Election Commission. This marks the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in nearly a decade, and the first since the abrogation of Article 370.
