Srinagar: Polling for six constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir in the second phase of assembly elections today began amidst tight security and sub-zero temperatures in many areas, official sources said here.
Although polling staff at the balloting stations took their positions at 7.30 am, the voter flow was low apparently due to chilly conditions, the sources said.
The cold affected voter turnout in Ganderbal and Kangan constituencies while the electorate was responsive in Rajouri district, officials said.
Nearly 4.94 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote at 530 polling booths in Ganderbal, Kangan, Nowshera, Darhal, Rajouri and Kalakote.
The electoral fortunes of 81 candidates, including NC president Omar Abdullah and former PDP minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal, will be decided today.
The fate of Ghulam Ahmad Rather (Cong), Radhay Sham Sharma (NC), Romesh Chander Sharma (Cong), NC rebels Choudhary Talib Hussain and Mohammad Sharief Tariq and Congress rebel Ashok Kumar Sharma will also be decided in the second phase.
Two women candidates Sheraz Begum (BSP) and Mohinder Kour (Independent) are also in the fray.
Eleven candidates are fighting in Nowshera constituency including Radhay Sham Sharma, Romesh Chander Sharma and Arshed Mehmood (PDP).
In Darhal, 12 candidates including Sheraz Begum are seeking entry to the state assembly.
The highest number of candidates in a single constituency is in Rajouri where 23 nominees are in the fray.
