Counting of votes has just begun for the five phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand under tight security. First of all postal ballets will be counted. Counting of votes sealed in EVMs will be taken up after postal ballots' counting.

In Jammu and Kashmir, all arrangements are in place for counting for all the 87 constituencies, which will lead to the formation of next Government in the State. The counting of about 48.29 lakh votes will be taken up by the Election Commission at 22 district headquarters across the state amidst tight security arrangements and imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr PC in and outside the counting premises. Our correspondent reports that political fate of 831 candidates including 28 women will be decided today.

In Jharkhand, all arrangements are in place for the counting which will be held at 24 places for all the 81 constituencies. About 4000 trained personnel have been deputed for the purpose. Ten to 31 rounds will be done to complete the counting of above 1 crore 38 lakh 51 thousand votes. Our correspondent reports that the political fate of 208 candidates, including 16 women will be decided today. Trends are likely to be available after one hour of initiation of counting.

News Services Division of All India Radio will broadcast special programmes on the results of the Assembly elections in both the states today. It can be heard on FM Gold and Rajdhani channels from 8-30 AM till 12 noon and again from 9-30 PM to 10-30 PM.