Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections feature 415 candidates vying for 40 seats in final phase

The final phase of Jammu and Kashmir's assembly elections is set for Tuesday, with 415 candidates competing for 40 seats. This election is significant as it is the first since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and the first state election in over a decade. Major political parties, including the National Conference and Congress in alliance, have campaigned on key issues like terrorism and reservation policies. Over 20,000 polling staff have been deployed to manage the election across seven districts. Notably, marginalized communities, such as West Pakistani refugees and the Gorkha community, are participating for the first time. Their inclusion marks a shift in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.