Amid tight security moderate polling in J&K, brisk in Jharkhand
Srinagar/Ranchi, Dec 2 (IBNS): Amid heightened security arrangements, polling began in 18 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir and 20 spread across seven Maoist-hit tribal districts of Jharkhand on Tuesday in second of the five-phased state elections.
During the first hour voters, including women and elderly people, braved cold weather and were seen standing in long queues outside various polling stations to exercise their franchise.
The second phase voting will seal the fate of 175 candidates including deputy speaker, four ministers and 11 other sitting MLAs amidst tight security in Kulgam and Kupwara districts after the attacks on village council heads by suspected militants.
Sources said that out of the total 18 constituencies Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is in focus as separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Gani Lone is making debut in Assembly polls after unsuccessfully contesting the Lok Sabha polls in 2009.
The second phase polling covered 18 constituencies including five in Kupwara district, four in Kulgam, three seats in Reasi, Udhampur and Poonch district each.
The first phase of polling that was held on November 25 in Jammu Kashmir witnessed over 71 percent voting in 15 seats.
In Jharkhand, former chief ministers Arjun Munda and Madhu Koda and three ministers are among 223 candidates, including 35 women, contesting from 20 seats – of which 16 seats are reserved for tribals.
Jharkhand has an 81-member Assembly.
The third phase of voting in both the states will be held on December 9, fourth phase on December 14 and fifth on December 20. Counting of votes will be held on December 23.
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
Top Headlines
-
News
India, China have completed disengagement: Reports
October 31, 2024
-
News
Uzbekistan parties supporting President Mirziyoyev win parliamentary elections as country undergoes reforms
October 29, 2024
-
News
Sanction Indian diplomats, ban RSS: anti-India Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh goes ballistic
October 16, 2024
-
News
Hezbollah drone attack on military base kills four Israeli soldiers
October 14, 2024
-
News
Trudeau govt's vote bank politics: India toughens stand against Canada after latest tirade over Nijjar killing
October 14, 2024
-
News
Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder, sends Salman Khan a message
October 14, 2024
-
News
RG Kar: Bengal junior doctors to hold protest march to Raj Bhavan on 10th day of hunger strike today
October 14, 2024
-
News
Tamil Nadu derailment: 19 injured in Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision with goods train, 13 coaches jump track
October 12, 2024
-
News
Distasteful and disgraceful: Amit Shah on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'won't die till Modi is removed from power' remark
September 30, 2024
-
News
Keep Gods away from politics: Supreme Court slams Andhra govt over Tirupati laddoo row
September 30, 2024