Wed Sep 18 03:36:45 UTC 2024: ## Pulwama Assembly Seat Witnesses Fierce Battle in J&K Elections

**Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir:** The Pulwama Assembly constituency, known for its political significance and history of violence, is witnessing a fierce electoral battle between the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The seat, which has a voter turnout of 32.55% as of 1 pm, is crucial in determining the political landscape of the Union Territory.

The PDP, which previously held the seat for three terms with Mohammad Khalil Band as its representative, faces a challenge this time as Band has switched allegiances to the NC after the abrogation of Article 370. Band is now contesting against the PDP’s youth leader, Waheed ur Rehman Para, who recently lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Srinagar.

Besides the main contenders, 10 other candidates, mostly independents, are vying for the seat. The 2014 Assembly elections saw the PDP emerge as the single-largest party in the then state of Jammu and Kashmir, winning 28 seats. The BJP followed closely with 25 seats, while NC and Congress secured 15 and 12 seats respectively.

The three-phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning September 18th, 25th, and October 1st, will see the fate of all 90 seats decided. The counting of votes will take place on October 8th.

Pulwama, with its 99,555 registered voters (including 49,423 males, 50,130 females, and two transgender individuals), will cast their ballots on September 18th at 112 polling stations. The outcome of the Pulwama seat will have significant implications for the overall election results and the political future of the Union Territory.

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