Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 20 : Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Thursday claimed that the impressive polling in the first phase of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir was an "expression of anger" against the Centre's decision to make it a Union Territory temporarily.
"The poll percentage was a clear expression of anger against the snatching away of statehood. Voting was done in favour of Congress and National Conference. Congress promises that when we come to power, our first and top priority would be to restore the statehood," Tiwari, MP, told ANI.
He slammed BJP for increasing powers of Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor.
Congress and National Conference are contesting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir together.
The BJP-led government had revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. It also created two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Centre has said that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
A voter turnout of 61.13 pc was registered in the first phase polling in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which were held on 24 constituencies in seven districts.
Kishtwar district recorded the highest turnout at 80.14 per cent followed by Ramban at 70.55 per cent, Doda at 71.34 per cent, Kulgam at 62.60 per cent, Anantnag at 57.84 per cent and Shopian at 55.96 per cent.
Pulwama district recorded the lowest at 46.65 per cent.