Kathua, Jammu: BJP national president J P Nadda on Friday said that people have voted fearlessly in the first two phases of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, adding those who once held guns in their hands are now using ballots to express themselves, marking a victory for Indian democracy.

JP Nadda praises increased voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir elections, highlighting a shift from violence to democratic expression.

While foreign media were denied access, over a dozen foreign diplomats from New Delhi visited polling stations in the Srinagar and Budgam districts.

Top BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and JP Nadda, are set to campaign in Jammu's key Hindu-majority districts starting Thursday.

Issuing the warning to the neighbouring country at an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, Adityanath said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is already prepared to merge with India. "Even Pakistan-backed terrorists know the price Pakistan will have to pay for supporting terrorism.

Eight constituencies in the Jammu region and 16 from the Kashmir Valley voted on the first phase of assembly elections. Two more rounds of voting remain.