'I appeal to all voters to cast their votes': PM Modi's message to J&K people for second phase of polls

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon all the voters in Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the second phase of the assembly elections. Taking to X, PM Modi emphasised the importance of their role in strengthening 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 their important role in strengthening democracy," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The polling for the second phase of the J&K assembly election commenced at 7am across 3502 polling stations in 26 Assembly constituencies, spanning 6 districts: Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in the Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu Division.
As the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir are being conducted in a decade, PM Modi extended his congratulations to the first-time voters, saying, "On this occasion, I congratulate all the young friends who are going to vote for the first time!"

Amit Shah's message to J&K people
Union home minister Amit Shah also urged the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to participate actively in the assembly election's second phase.
In his message on X, Shah wrote, "I appeal to all the voters going to cast their votes in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir election to vote in maximum numbers for the creation of a terror-free and developed Jammu and Kashmir."
The home minister emphasised the importance of electing a government committed to the bright future of Jammu and Kashmir's youth, the rights of the underprivileged and women, and the overall progress of the region.
Shah further encouraged the voters, saying, "Vote today to strengthen democracy and to free Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism, nepotism and corruption."

Over 25 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 239 candidates across the 26 constituencies in the six districts. Prominent candidates include former chief minister Omar Abdullah, contesting from both Budgam and Ganderbal seats, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina from Nowshera, and Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra from Central-Shalteng.
The final phase of the polls is scheduled for October 1, with the counting of votes to take place on October 8.