Wed Sep 18 02:34:46 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Polls: High Turnout in First Phase, PM Modi to Rally in Srinagar
**Srinagar, October 25, 2023:** The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Wednesday with a voter turnout of 61.11%, according to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Voting was reported to be peaceful across the 24 constituencies that went to polls.
The upcoming elections have seen a surge in political activity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address a rally in Srinagar on Thursday. This will be his first rally in Kashmir for the BJP candidates ahead of the Assembly elections.
**Security tight for PM’s visit:** A multi-layered security blanket has been deployed around the Sher-e-Kashmir park, the venue of the rally. Security personnel have been deployed along roads leading to the venue, with random vehicle checks and special checkpoints in place. This will be the Prime Minister’s third visit to the Kashmir Valley this year.
**High voter turnout:** The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir has congratulated voters for the record turnout in the first phase of the elections.
**Other news:**
* The Jammu and Kashmir Police have solved a double-murder case, arresting a man who worked as a household helper for the victims.
* A significant number of news articles focus on the upcoming election and political climate, highlighting the importance of the J&K polls.
* Discussions regarding “one nation, one election” and the rise of Sanatan Dharma are also being debated in the state.
* The Centre has extended the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility for government employees for another two years.
* The Indian Army successfully flight-tested a surface-to-air missile.
The upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to be closely watched across the country. The high turnout in the first phase suggests significant public interest in the political process.
First Piper 