The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections for 26 constituencies – 11 in Jammu and 15 in Kashmir – have begun. With several high-profile candidates in the fray, the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election is expected to be crucial for the Union territory major political parties. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP’s J&K President Ravinder Raina and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari are among the key candidates in the fray in this phase of elections. The seats that will vote today are spread across the central Kashmir districts of Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal, as well as the Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region. The Election Commission of India has established 3,502 polling stations in these segments to facilitate smooth and hassle-free electoral participation. There are 1,056 urban polling stations and 2,446 rural polling stations, an official said. All polling stations will have webcasting facilities as part of the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure transparency. As many as 93 candidates are in the fray in Srinagar district, followed by 46 in Budgam district, 34 in Rajouri district, 25 in Poonch district, 21 in Ganderbal district and 20 in Reasi district. The first phase of the elections witnessed a voter turnout of 61.38 percent on September 18. The third phase will go to polls on October 1. The votes will be counted on October 8. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra has been fielded from Central Shalteng seat in Srinagar. J&K unit president Ravinder Raina, who registered victory in 2014 from the Nowshera seat, is seeking re-election from the key constituency in Rajouri district. Omar Abdullah is contesting the 2024 assembly elections from two constituencies in Central Kashmir including Budgam and Ganderbal. Altaf Bukhari, the wealthiest candidate in the second phase with assets exceeding ₹165 crore is contesting from the Channapora seat in Srinagar.