As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for the second phase of assembly elections on September 25, security has been significantly increased in the Rajouri district.

To ensure safety, security personnel have been deployed in various areas, and vehicle checks are being conducted.

The second phase will involve elections in 26 assembly seats across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The specific seats include Kangan (ST), Ganderbal, Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Channapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, Central Shalteng, Budgam, Beerwah, Khansahib, Chrar-i-Sharief, Chadoora, Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Kalakote - Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST), Thannamandi (ST), Surankote (ST), Poonch Haveli, and Mendhar (ST).

This phase will be crucial for determining the political future of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is contesting from both the Budgam and Ganderbal seats.

Other notable candidates include Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina, who is running from Nowshera, and Tariq Hamid Karra, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, contesting from Central Shalteng.

On Monday, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah held an election rally in Ganderbal district amid the ongoing assembly elections. Union Minister Jitendra Singh claimed that the BJP-led government had promised to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that Rahul Gandhi was merely echoing what the BJP had previously announced. Singh criticized Gandhi, stating he was attempting to take credit for actions that the government had planned long before.

At a rally in Poonch on Monday, Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns, stating, "You don't have a say in running your government. The orders come from Delhi. We wanted statehood restored before the elections, but we will certainly advocate for it to happen after the polls."

The first phase of voting was completed on September 18, achieving a voter turnout of 61.13 percent across 24 constituencies in seven districts, according to the Election Commission.

Voting for the second and third phases in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively, with vote counting set to occur on October 8 alongside the counting in Haryana.

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