62 per cent voting in J&K; highest turnout in 18 years

The last phase of polling in Srinagar has been a face-saving exercisefor both the J&K government and separatists. For the government the voter turnout is much higher than what it was in 2002, and for the separatists it's the lowest compared to the earlier six phases of polling. But one thing is for sure that the 2008 elections are seen as the most transparent electoral process in the history of J&K.

The voter turnout in Srinagar was 20 per cent. It was the highest in 18 years. It was just 5 per cent in 2002.

62 per cent was the overall turnout for all seven phases in J&K compared with 44 per cent last time.

If 2002 was the watershed election, 2008 is proof that the electoral process works even in the backdrop of two months of violence over the Amarnath issue that tore J&K apart.

"I am thinking we will cross the magic number. My thoughts are only of the task ahead,'' said Farooq Abdullah, patron, National Conference.

The focus is now on what happens in Jammu and Kashmir as Indo-Pak tensions grow after 26/11, and what impact another coalition could have on the state.

The Congress which could play kingmaker in a hung assembly is upbeat.

"Congress will form the government on its own. On its own, there are no chances of alliance," said Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chief minister, J&K.

Both the BJP and the Congress are saying that they will make substantial gains in Jammu.

The assembly poll results will also determine how much of a role did the Amarnath land issue play at the end of the day.

Whatever the results may be on Sunday, the voter turnout and violence-free poll have given Jammu and Kashmir another date with history.