Rahul Gandhi Urges Large Turnout in J&K Polls, Promotes Prosperity Through INDIA Alliance

Srinagar : Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in large numbers as the second phase of polling commenced in the region. He encouraged voters to cast their ballots in support of their rights, prosperity, and well-being, stating that every vote for the INDIA alliance would help steer Jammu and Kashmir toward a brighter future.

In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said, “My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today is the second phase of voting. Come out in large numbers and vote for your rights, prosperity, and abundance—vote for INDIA. By taking away your statehood, the BJP government has disrespected you and undermined your constitutional rights. Every vote for INDIA will break the cycle of injustice created by the BJP and guide Jammu and Kashmir on the path to prosperity.”

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi left his residence to participate in the election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. National Conference leader and Congress ally Omar Abdullah urged Rahul Gandhi to focus on campaigning in Jammu. Omar Abdullah remarked, “I hope after Rahul is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he shifts his focus to Jammu. What the Congress achieves in Kashmir is less significant than what it does in Jammu. Unfortunately, the Congress hasn’t campaigned as much in the plains of Jammu as we would have hoped. The lion’s share of alliance seats in Jammu went to Congress, but their campaign there has yet to gain momentum, and with only five days remaining, we hope that once Rahul finishes his campaigning in the valley, he turns his attention fully to Jammu.”

Meanwhile, voter turnout in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections stood at 10.22 percent as of 9 am, according to the Election Commission of India. Poonch district recorded the highest turnout at 14.41 percent, followed by Reasi at 13.37 percent, Rajouri at 12.71 percent, Ganderbal at 12.61 percent, Budgam at 10.91 percent, and Srinagar with the lowest turnout at 4.70 percent. Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm across the Union Territory.

With elections being held in Jammu and Kashmir after a 10-year gap, there is visible excitement among voters. Long lines of eager voters were spotted outside polling stations in Jammu, Srinagar, and Ganderbal. In this phase, a total of 25,78,099 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 13,12,730 male voters, 12,65,316 female voters, and 53 third-gender voters. The final phase of polling is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting set to take place on October 8.