#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, the campaigning for the first phase of assembly elections will end today. Twenty-four assembly constituencies spread over 7 districts of the Union Territory will go to polls in this phase on the 18th of this month. These districts are Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban of Jammu division and Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts of Kashmir region. Campaigning for eight seats of Doda region which will go to polls in first phase of Assembly elections in Jammu division on September 18 will come to an end today evening with contestants making last ditch efforts to woo electorates.
The BJP is the only party whose senior leaders canvassed vigorously in Doda region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Doda while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address three rallies in the region today including one each at Paddar-Nagseni, Kishtwar and Ramban.
Leader of Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi addressed one rally at Gool falling under Banihal Assembly segment. Excepting him, no senior leader of the Congress visited the region for campaigning. From the National Conference, only Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and party vice president campaigned in Doda belt while Dr Farooq Abdullah paid no visit to any of theeight constituencies. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti too didn’t campaigned inDoda region though having fielded candidates. While campaigning will end on all eight seats of Doda belt today evening, the candidates can opt for door-to-door canvassing. Polling will be held on September 18 while counting for all 90seats of the UT will take place on October 4.
Eight seats where campaign will end today include Kishtwar, Paddar-Nagseni and Inderwal in Kishtwar district, Doda, Doda West and Bhaderwah in Doda district; and Ramban and Banihal in Ramban district. In 2014, the Doda region had six Assembly seats—two each in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts. The BJP had won four (Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda and Ramban) and Congress two (Banihal and Inderwal) while NC and PDP had drawn a blank. Sixty four candidates are in fray for eight seats including 27 in Doda district, 22 in Kishtwar district and 15 in Ramban district.
