J&K “Main issue is development, abrogation of Article 370,” says Sajad Gani Lone

Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 27 (ANI): Ahead of the third and final phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, JKPC President Sajad Gani Lone said on Friday that illegalities of abrogation of Article 370, Article 35 A, and the development are the main issues here.

“The main issue is development and the illegalities of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A,” Lone told ANI during a rally in Kupwara ahead of the third phase of polling scheduled for October 1.

Responding to a query on the challenges of the political parties contesting in the assembly polls, Lone said, “There are several parties contesting in the elections, and everyone is a challenge for us, but we are confident, and we do not want to belittle any other party…”

Meanwhile, a voter turnout of 57.31 percent was recorded in the second phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India said on Friday.

As per the ECI data, 72.18 pc polling was recorded in Kangan, 57.12 pc in Ganderbal, 32.39 pc in Hazratbal, 26. 9 pc in Khanyar, 19.81 pc in Habba Kadal, 34.15 in Lal Chowk, 29. 53 pc in Chanapora, 30.78 pc in Zadibal, 36. 95 pc in Eidgah, 31.84 pc in Central Shalteng, 52. 27 pc in Budgam, 66.95 pc in Beerwah, 72. 8 pc in Khansahib, 70.27 pc in Chrar-I-Sharif, 57.19 pc in Chadoora, 73. 60 pc in Gulabgarh, 72.6 in Reasi, 80. 45 pc in Mata Vaishno Devi, 68. 82 pc in Kalakote- Sunderbani, 73.5 pc in Nowshera, 70.57 pc in Rajouri, 70.4 pc in Budhal, 72.88 pc in Thanamnadi, 74. 94 pc in Surankote, 74.56 pc in Poonch Haveli and 73. 56 pc in Mendhar

The second phase of polling was held in the six districts of Ganderbal, Budgam, Srinagar, and Jammu regions: Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch. The second phase was held on September 25.

The first phase of assembly polls was held on September 18.

The third and final phase of polling is scheduled for October 1, while the counting of votes will take place on October 8.

Assembly elections are being held in the Union Territory after a gap of ten years and are the first since the abrogation of Article 370