TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): Voting for the second phase is in full swing for 26 Assembly constituencies across J&K with Ganderbal, Budgam and Beerwah witnessing brisk polling while as thin polling is taking place in Srinagar’s downtown parts known for its boycott history.
Long queues were seen outside the polling booths of Budgam, Beerwah and Ganderbal while as downtown that has been known for boycotting the polls in the past witnessed thin voting. Many polling stations in downtown Srinagar witnessed zero per cent polling till 9am.
Figures available with the TDD suggest that in Zadibal constituency of downtown, out of 113034 total eligible voters, only 2091 had exercised their franchise till 8 am. Long queues were missing here. In Eidgah constituency, out of 62080 total eligible voters, only 1189 had cast their votes till 8 am. The scene at other constituencies that include Habba Kadal and Khanyar were quite similar. However, candidates are expecting that the voting will pick up gradually.
In total, 26 Assembly constituencies are going to polls today. There are 239 candidates in the fray that include political stalwarts like NC vice president Omar Abdullah, Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari, J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra and J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina. Candidates in fray believe that voting will pick up gradually as the day progresses. “I am hopeful people will vote for National Conference in large numbers,” said NC candidate for Khanyar constituency, Ali Muhammad Sagar
What remains to be seen is whether downtown would stick to thin voting or break the shackles of boycott. Picture will be clear as the day progresses. It may be recalled that the first phase of J&K Assembly elections held on September 18 that recorded the historic turn out of over 61 per cent. The third and last phase of elections is slated for Oct 1 and the counting will take place on October 8.(TDD)
