Kishtwar: Polling officials leave for their polling stations on the eve of the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir state assembly elections in Kishtwar district, Tuesday, September 17, 2024. (Photo: PTI)
Seven districts of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), located on either side of the Pir Panjal range, will vote in a state election for the first time in a decade. The first phase of the polls in the union territory will be held on Wednesday.
A total of 49 out of 238 candidates (21 per cent) contesting in Phase II of the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) state assembly elections have filed criminal cases against themselves. Of these, 37 candidates (16 per cent) have serious criminal cases, including three who have been charged with attempt to murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In addition, seven candidates are involved in crimes against women, with one candidate facing charges of rape under Section 376 of the IPC, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The wealth distribution among the candidates is also skewed, at 131 (55 percent) crorepatis. The average wealth of candidates in this election is Rs 5.80 crore.
Only 3 percent of the candidates are women, indicating a significant gender gap in political representation. The elections to the 90-member J&K Assembly will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.
First publication: Sep 18, 2024 | 12:23 PM IST