With the completion of nomination and withdrawal process for the first phase and completion of scrutiny of papers for the second phase of assembly polls, the electioneering in Jammu and Kashmir has picked up pace. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched an aggressive campaign to support its Assembly Election candidates.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address public rallies in Ramban and Banihal today. So far, two national leaders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have visited Jammu and Kashmir. Yesterday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in Paloura area of Jammu. Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to development and national security, drawing enthusiastic responses from the crowd.

In the coming week more national leaders are expected to canvass in the Union Territory.  With the first phase of the Assembly elections scheduled for 18th of this month, other prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President J.P Nadda, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Lal Khattar, G. Kishan Reddy, and others are expected to hit the campaign trail in the coming days.

The second phase of voting will take place on September 25, followed by the third on October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.