Congress President Kharge Urges Jammu and Kashmir Voters to Reject Those Who Revoked Statehood

Srinagar, 1st October 2024: As Jammu and Kashmir approaches the third phase of assembly elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters on Tuesday to convey their message to those who revoked the region’s statehood.

He emphasized that every vote is essential for creating better job prospects for the youth, tackling corruption, and protecting land rights.

“With the voting for the third phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections underway, I call on the residents of these 40 assembly constituencies to exercise their democratic rights in large numbers. This is the last opportunity to hold accountable those who took away statehood from the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Kharge stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

With more than 3.9 million registered voters for this phase, polling is taking place today for 40 assembly seats—24 in the Jammu region and 16 in Kashmir.

Voting commenced at 7 am and will close at 7 pm, determining the fate of 415 candidates.

“Keep in mind that a single vote can alter your future and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, ensuring your constitutional rights. Every vote holds the power to create better job opportunities for the youth, confront corruption, protect your land rights, and foster growth and prosperity,” Kharge added.

He also welcomed first-time voters, encouraging their participation to help shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We invite first-time voters, as their involvement will determine the future direction of Jammu and Kashmir. Once again, I urge you to join the voting line,” he said.

This election marks the first time that West Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki community, and the Gorkha community will exercise their voting rights, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. These groups previously participated in the Block Development Council elections in 2019 and the District Development Council elections in 2020.