Srinagar : Voting for the second phase of J&K Assembly elections has started in 26 Assembly segments including high profile constituencies of Ganderbal, Budgam and eight significant constituencies of Srinagar. However, unlike first phase, in downtown areas of the city, no serpentine lines are being seen as voters are coming in less numbers to cast ballot.
Downtown Srinagar has been known for staying away from polls in past so many elections.
Also known as old city, it was the hub of stone pelting, violent clashes between security forces and the youth besides massive protests as well. Since polls are taking place after a decade, it was expected that voters would come out in large numbers to vote but nothing of that sort could be witnessed till 9 am.
In Zadibal constituency of downtown, out of 113034 total eligible voters, only 2091 had exercised their franchise till 8 am. Long queues were missing here. In Eidgah constituency, out of 62080 total eligible voters, only 1189 had cast their votes till 8 am. The scene at other constituencies that include Habba Kadal and Khanyar were quite similar. However, candidates are expecting that the voting will pick up gradually. No long queues were seen at Hazratbal constituency as well.
“Let’s hope for the best. Voting has just began, people are coming up slowly. It’s a vote after a decade. I am sure that people in large numbers will cast ballot,” said National Conference from Hazratbal candidate Salman Sagar.
In total, 26 Assembly constituencies are going to polls today. There are 239 candidates in the fray that include political stalwarts like NC vice president Omar Abdullah, Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari, J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra and J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina.
What remains to be seen is whether downtown would stick to thin voting or break the shackles of boycott. Picture will be clear as the day progresses. It may be recalled that the first phase of J&K Assembly elections held on September 18 that recorded the historic turn out of over 61 per cent.
The third and last phase of elections is slated for Oct 1 and the counting will take place on October 8.
