Jammu Kashmir: 'Make democracy stronger by voting', PM Modi's special appeal to the youth regarding the first phase of voting

The first phase of voting is being held in Jammu and Kashmir today. Assembly elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir after 10 years, for which there is a lot of enthusiasm among the voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers. Prime Minister Modi wrote in a post shared on social media that 'The first phase of voting has started in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to the people of all the assembly constituencies to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I especially appeal to the youth and the people who are going to vote for the first time to use their franchise.'

'First vote, then refreshment'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote in a post shared on the social media platform X regarding the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, 'Only a government with strong will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, protect the rights of the citizens there and speed up development work. My appeal to the voters going to vote in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections today is to vote in large numbers to form a government that is committed to the education of youth here, employment, empowerment of women, and the end of separatism and nepotism in the region. First vote, then refreshment.'

Kharge wrote - Remember who is responsible for the insult.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a post on social media regarding the first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to the people to participate enthusiastically in the voting process. Kharge wrote that 'The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to protect their rights and usher in a new era of true development and full statehood. With the first phase of voting starting in 24 assembly constituencies, we urge everyone to exercise their democratic right and vote in large numbers. Every single vote has the power to shape the future and bring an era of peace, stability, justice, progress, and economic empowerment.'

Kharge wrote that 'We appeal to everyone, especially those who are voting for the first time, to participate in this important election and become the harbingers of change. For the first time, a state was converted into a Union Territory, when you cast your vote, remember who is responsible for this insult. Let us unite and shape a bright future for Jammu and Kashmir, where the voice of all citizens is heard.'

Voting in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases.

Voting for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections started at 7 am. Tight security arrangements have been made given the election. Voting will go on till six in the evening. Long queues of people are seen outside the polling stations at the beginning of voting. In the first phase, voting is being held on 24 seats of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 16 seats are in Kashmir and eight seats are in the Jammu region. Voting for the second and third phases in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on September 25 and October 1 respectively. The counting of votes will be done on October 8. Voting is taking place in the state for the first time after the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.