Vote in large numbers for Kashmir you want: Pitroda

New Delhi, August 17

Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, has urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate actively in the upcoming Assembly elections to shape the future of the region.

Jammu and Kashmir will vote in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, the Election Commission of India announced on Friday. The counting of votes will be taken up on October 4. Speaking about the elections which will be held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, Pitroda emphasised the importance of voter turnout. "I urge people to come out and vote in large numbers because it’s your way of standing up for the kind of Kashmir you want," Pitroda said.

He also expressed hope for a high voter turnout, saying, "I would like to see 80 per cent or higher turnout if possible. I want everyone to ensure that they are on the right voter list so that there’s no confusion at the last minute." Pitroda also reflected on the conduct of previous elections, citing concerns over alleged irregularities in the recent Odisha Assembly poll. — IANS