Mon Sep 23 22:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls: Second Phase Campaign Ends, 239 Candidates in Fray

**SRINAGAR, Sept 23:** The campaign for the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections concluded on Monday evening, with a flurry of rallies and speeches by prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

This phase, scheduled for September 25, will see the fate of 239 candidates decided across 26 assembly constituencies spread across six districts, including the summer capital Srinagar.

The campaign witnessed a mix of emotional appeals, barbs aimed at rivals, and a few instances of foul language, as parties scrambled to woo the estimated 25.78 lakh eligible voters in this crucial phase.

**Key Contenders:**

Among the prominent figures in the fray are former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (Ganderbal and Budgam), Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina (Nowshera), Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra (Central-Shalteng), and Apni party president Altaf Bukhari (Channapora).

**Party Strategies:**

The BJP deployed a strong contingent of ministers and leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and J P Nadda. The Congress countered with its president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, who held rallies in key areas.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah extensively campaigned for his party, while his son Omar focused on the valley seats. The PDP’s campaign was largely led by Iltija Mufti, with party president Mehbooba Mufti taking a less active role compared to previous elections.

**Campaign Highlights:**

* Omar Abdullah’s emotional appeal for support in Ganderbal, emphasizing the importance of the election for the dignity of the people.
* Instances of candidates using foul language against rivals, including verbal abuse directed at Sugra, daughter of jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Barkati.

**Security Preparations:**

Authorities have deployed a robust security presence across the 3,502 polling stations in the constituencies to ensure a peaceful polling process.

With the campaign now over, the focus shifts to the polling day, scheduled for September 25, which will be followed by the final phase of voting on October 1. The results are expected to be announced on October 8.

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