The Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance has crossed the halfway mark in Jammu and Kashmir, in the first elections in 10 years. The alliance is leading with nearly 50 seats while the BJP has secured over 20 seats so far, as per the early leads. The counting of votes began at 8 am, with heavy security arrangements in place.
The assembly elections for its 90 constituencies were held in three phases - September 18, September 25, and October 1 - after a gap of 10 years. This is also the first time Jammu and Kashmir had assembly elections since Article 370 was abolished in August 2019, which divided the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The three-phase elections resulted in voter participation of 63.88%, as per the Election Commission of India.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Congress decided to team up and fight the assembly elections 2024 together. On the other hand, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contested separately.
The PDP-BJP coalition in Jammu And Kashmir collapsed in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to Mehbooba Mufti's PDP. Following the separation, then President Ram Nath Kovind enforced Governor's Rule in the region.
The results of Jammu and Kasmir Assembly elections will be declared today.