Jammu and Kashmir sees record low turnout in Phase 2 Assembly polls

Voter turnout drops significantly in the second phase, signalling declining participation since 2014.

In Short

• Phase 2 Jammu and Kashmir elections saw 57% turnout
• Sharp decline from Phase 1 polling and 2014 Assembly elections
• Reflects voter dissatisfaction post Article 370

The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections recorded the lowest voter turnout, with only 57 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. This sharp decline from the previous phase and the 2014 elections highlights growing disengagement amongst voters, particularly in Srinagar, where turnout dropped to a mere 30 per cent.

WHY IT MATTERS?

This decline may reflect voter dissatisfaction and raises questions about the region's political engagement after significant changes like the revocation of Article 370.

IN NUMBERS

• Phase-2 turnout: 57 per cent (versus 61 per cent in Phase-1)
• 2014 turnout: over 60 per cent
• Lowest turnout: Eight constituencies of Srinagar district, with just around 30 per cent of voters showing up

IN-DEPTH

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir has fluctuated across elections. In the second phase of the 2024 Assembly elections, only 57 per cent of eligible voters cast their votes, a drop from Phase 1's 61 per cent and the 60 per cent turnout seen in the 2014 elections. The six districts that voted in this phase — Budgam, Ganderbal, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Srinagar — showed mixed results, but Srinagar recorded the lowest turnout, with just 30 per cent of voters showing up.

Historically, voter participation saw a major jump between 2002 and 2008, from 34 percent to 61 percent. But this rise didn't last, and participation has since plateaued. In 2024, turnout dropped by four percentage points from 2014.

Some constituencies like Beerwah and Budgam saw significant declines from their 2014 peaks. Others, like Central Shalteng, recorded historically low turnouts.

BIG PICTURE

This decline in voter turnout comes at a time when the Centre has been projecting normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370. The trend suggests a disconnect between government actions and public response in some areas.

WHAT THEY SAID?

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah attributed the low turnout in Srinagar to the government's attempt to present high voter turnout as a sign of public acceptance of the changes in Jammu and Kashmir. "I feel the Centre is responsible for this. They tried to present high voter turnout as signs of normalcy," Abdullah said.

WHAT'S NEXT?

With the final phase of polling on October 1, all eyes will be on whether voter participation improves or continues to decline. The overall turnout in the state will be closely watched as a reflection of public sentiment in the region.

BOTTOM LINE

Voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir's second phase hit a new low, with significant declines in historically active constituencies. This trend raises concerns about political engagement in the region as it continues to navigate post-Article 370 changes.