As the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly elections kicked off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to vote in "large numbers" to strengthen the democratic process. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi especially encouraged young and first-time voters to actively participate.

"I urge all those in the constituencies voting today to come out in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. I particularly call upon young and first-time voters to exercise their franchise," Modi tweeted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to voters, emphasizing the need for a strong government to make Jammu and Kashmir free of terrorism and push forward with development. Shah called on voters to elect a government that would prioritize youth education, employment, women’s empowerment, and fight against separatism and nepotism.

In a tweet, Shah said, "Only a government with an iron will can create a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir and accelerate development. I urge voters to come out in large numbers in the first phase of the elections to form such a government."

As polling progressed, a video shared by PTI showed voters lined up outside a polling booth in Naira, Pulwama, eager to cast their vote.

The first phase of the election is part of a three-stage process to elect members for the 90-seat Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The second phase of voting is scheduled for September 25, followed by the third phase on October 1. The results will be announced on October 8.

This marks the first Assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Major political players in the election include Congress, the National Conference (NC), BJP, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Congress and NC are contesting the elections in alliance, having agreed on a seat-sharing formula shortly before the polls.