Prominent leaders including Omar Abdullah in the fray; second phase of polling underway in Jammu and Kashmir amid tight security

SRINAGAR: The second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is underway. Polling will be held today from 7 am to 6 pm. The second phase of polling is being held in 26 constituencies in six districts. 239 candidates are seeking the mandate this time.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference President Omar Abdullah is contesting from Ganderbal and Budgam seats. Other prominent leaders in the fray are Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina and Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee President Tariq Hameed Karra. Voting is underway in terror-prone Poonch and Rajouri regions amidst heavy security arrangements.

This is the first election being held in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. It's been a decade since the state witnessed an election held on a democratic basis. The main contest is between the National Conference, the Congress, and the BJP. Meanwhile, smaller parties are also in the fray. The final phase of voting will take place on October 1, and the counting of votes will be held on November 8.