Kharge's remarks came as voting began for the second phase of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 2.5 million voters are eligible to vote.

A voter turnout of 54.11 percent was recorded till 7 pm in the second phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the Election Commission of India. Budgam recorded 58.97 pc, Ganderbal 58.

The turnout in these six districts, which participated in Phase two, has exceeded the figures recorded during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Phase one had similarly witnessed strong participation, with a voter turnout of 61.38% across 24 Assembly constituencies, reflecting the region's growing engagement with the electoral process.

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections saw a 56% voter turnout, slightly lower than 2014. Despite tight security, elections in 26 constituencies concluded peacefully. High turnout was reported in key regions like Sri Mata Vaishno Devi and Surankot.

Srinagar: More than 54 per cent of eligible voters participated in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections across 26 constituencies on Wednesday. According to the Election Commission, voting - which began at 7 AM and concluded at 6 PM - was conducted peacefully with no incidents of violence reported.

The second phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections began Wednesday with 2.5 million voters determining the outcome for 239 candidates vying for 26 seats. Key candidates include former chief minister Omar Abdullah and BJP J-K chief Ravinder Raina.

Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir have begun casting votes in the second phase of a staggered election for a local government. for the first time in decades the election is not boycotted by separatists.

Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir have begun casting their votes in the second phase of a staggered election for a local government