BJP's Kavinder Gupta Applauds High Voter Turnout in Jammu & Kashmir

BJP leader Kavinder Gupta expressed elation over the public's faith in democracy during the J&K assembly polls' third phase. He highlighted the significant voter turnout, contrasting past elections with low participation. The final phase saw queues at 40 constituencies amid tight security, with results awaited on October 8.

Kavinder Gupta, BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has commended the public for their faith in democracy as evidenced by the voter turnout during the third phase of the J&K assembly polls. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Gupta observed the palpable enthusiasm as elections were held in the region after a decade.

Gupta noted the significant rise in voter participation compared to previous elections where candidates were elected with just 4 to 5 percent of the vote share. "The recent elections demonstrate the people's trust in democracy, and I am confident that the resulting government will favor both democracy and the Bharatiya Janata Party," he stated.

The third phase recorded an 11.60 percent cumulative voter turnout as of 9 am, with Udhampur district leading at 14.23 percent followed by Samba at 13.31 percent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Polls opened at 7 am across 40 constituencies in seven districts, operating under stringent security measures to ensure peace.

In this phase, 415 candidates are vying for positions, with the election spanning 90 seats across what was formerly a state. Key contenders include alliances between the National Conference and Congress, and other major parties such as the PDP and BJP. Vote counting is scheduled for October 8.