Modi's public rally in Srinagar today: What to expect
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public rally in Srinagar on Thursday, a day after the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election concluded with a 59% voter turnout.
The rally is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign to gain support for its candidates in the Valley, where it has never won a seat before.
Election strategy
BJP's campaign targets Kashmir Valley
Of the 47 seats in Kashmir, the BJP has fielded candidates in 19 constituencies. This is less than one-third of the total and fewer than in the last assembly elections held in 2014.
The rally is scheduled to take place at Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir Park, with an expected attendance of 30,000 party workers and supporters.
Security measures
Security heightened ahead of PM Modi's rally
In preparation for the rally, security forces in Srinagar and across Kashmir have been placed on heightened alert.
Enhanced patrols and several checkpoints have been established to ensure there are no security lapses, according to police officials.
This will be PM Modi's second rally during the ongoing assembly polls, following his visit to Doda in the Jammu region—the first by a prime minister in 42 years.
Voter participation
Record voter turnout in 1st phase of elections
Notably, on Wednesday, the first phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir recorded a voter turnout of about 59%, the highest in the past seven elections.
Over 2.3 million voters were eligible to cast their ballots to determine the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 independents.
Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 77%, while Pulwama district witnessed the lowest at 46%.
Twitter Post
Here's what PM Modi posted on J&K polls
As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections begins, I urge all those in constituencies going to the polls today to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2024