National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and his father, former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, cast their vote at the Burn Hall school polling station in the high security Sonwar area of Srinagar.

Omar's wife Payal Abdullah accompanied him.

Omar expressed confidence that he would retain the seat. "There is a wave in favour of NC in Kashmir this time," he said. "If the ruling Peoples Democratic Party loses election then they should pack up and go. We want to take as many seats as possible."

On poll boycott, Omar said, "It will be known only on the counting day whether or not the boycott had any effect or not."

"I hope there will be a respectable turnout," he said.

But in the two polling stations in the Burn Hall school where Omar and his father voted only 34 votes were polled in the three hours.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said, "Omar is going to represent his people in Parliament. He is not leaving the state."

Dr Abdullah said that he was in touch with leaders of various regional  parties to form a united front.