Following the conclusion of the first phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, which saw a voter turnout of over 61 per cent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large public gathering in Srinagar on Wednesday, 18 September. Lauding the high participation, Modi highlighted the impressive turnout in various constituencies, calling it a significant moment for the region.
“Kishtwar saw over 80 per cent voting, while Doda recorded above 71 per cent,” Modi stated, emphasising the unprecedented voter engagement in these districts. “These figures break previous records in several constituencies,” he added, underscoring the enthusiasm shown by voters across the region. Pulwama recorded the lowest turnout in the first phase at 46.65 per cent, while the remaining districts reported over 55 per cent voter participation, with Kishtwar leading the way. The overall average turnout was recorded at 61.13 per cent.
Prime Minister Modi, buoyed by the robust voter engagement, remarked, “The bumper voting in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has rejected the parties that sympathise with stone pelting and terrorism.” This statement was seen as a sharp rebuke to political factions accused of siding with separatist elements in the region.
In his address, Modi attributed the region’s prolonged underdevelopment to the dominance of what he described as three influential political families, although he did not explicitly name them. His remarks, however, were widely understood to refer to the Abdullah family of the National Conference (NC), the Muftis of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Gandhis of the Congress. He accused these families of fostering division among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while claiming that the BJP is working towards uniting the populace.
“Three families have undermined ‘Jamhooriyat’ (democracy) and ‘Kashmiriyat’ (Kashmir’s pluralistic culture) in Kashmir’s politics,” Modi alleged.
The Prime Minister’s comments come as the state prepares for the second phase of voting, which is scheduled for 25 September, followed by the third and final phase on 1 October. The results of the assembly elections will be announced on 4 October, marking a pivotal moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.
