The main issues this time were unemployment, lack of development, inflated electricity bills and loved ones languishing in jails.
Voting took place in 40 constituencies – 24 in Jammu Division and 16 in Kashmir Valley – spread across seven districts of the Union Territory.
This election was held after a decade and is the first after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 (A) and delimitation, after which the total number of seats in assembly was increased to 90, with 43 in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir.
Voters expressed concerns over lack of development, bureaucratic hassles, unemployment and unavailability of basic facilities like clean drinking water and ration at government depots.
“I should get a job after I complete my studies. Also, the hospital in my area should be upgraded as it lacks basic facilities and remains closed during the night,” Mariya, a first-time voter from Trehgam and a student of gender studies at Kashmir University, said expressing her wishlist.”I have lost my son in this conflict. I know the pain and suffering of people who were killed here. I just want to see some hope for my area which lacks development and future youngsters, who have no jobs are resorting to drugs,” said Muhammad Rustum Shah of Vodhpora village of Handwara. Election Commission of India overall voting beat the record of Lok Sabha elections in 2024. ECI said that it delivered on its promise and dedicated elections to the people of J&K. “Erstwhile militancy infested regions have celebrated democracy, rebuffed boycott and violence,” read the ECI statement.
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