Wed Sep 25 02:31:37 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Elections: 2.5 Million Voters to Decide Fate of 239 Candidates in Second Phase

**SRINAGAR:** The second phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections will take place on Wednesday, with over 2.5 million voters set to decide the fate of 239 candidates vying for 26 seats. These constituencies are spread across six districts, including three in the Valley and three in the Jammu division.

The Election Commission of India has set up 3,502 polling stations, including 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural stations, all equipped with webcasting facilities to ensure transparency.

The second phase will see a high-stakes battle, with prominent figures like former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, JKPCC President Tariq Hamid Karra, and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina contesting. Abdullah is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam, while Karra is contesting from Central Shalteng. Raina aims to retain his Nowshera seat.

The phase is also significant for jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati, contesting from Beerwah and Ganderbal. He hopes to replicate Engineer Rashid’s Lok Sabha poll feat against Abdullah.

Other key candidates include Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, former ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar and Abdul Rahim Rather, and BJP candidates Choudhary Zulfikar Ali and Syed Mushtaq Bukhari.

The first phase of polling on September 18 saw a voter turnout of 61.38%. The third phase will be held on October 1, and the votes will be counted on October 8.

**Other Notable News:**

* Soumilli Sahu of JKPS Panjtirthi excelled at the National Performing Arts Dance competition.
* A two-day Inter College Chess Tournament for men and women has commenced.
* A national seminar on Bharat-Centric Knowledge was held at CUJ.
* Jammu will face Udhampur in the U-19 Cricket final.
* Col. Ranveer led a NIMAS team to scale a challenging peak in the AP region.
* Rahul Gandhi’s ability to be J&K’s voice in Parliament has been questioned.
* The importance of school education and rural tourism were discussed in separate articles.
* India’s emergence as a powerful force in Asia was highlighted.
* The State Times Group, a media vehicle connecting J&K to Delhi and the rest of India, highlighted the crucial role of education for children and the need for sustainable rural development.

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