DDC polls: Regional parties prefer participation over boycott


Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 8:
Finally, Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of Kashmir based political parties, has decided to contest the forthcoming District Development Council (DDC) elections collectively.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It’s for the first time in the history of Kashmir that political parties having different ideologies have come together and will contest any election under a single banner.”
It’s in place to mention here that on October 24 this year seven mainstream political parties had met at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s residence in Srinagar and had given a formal shape to their alliance – People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration for the restoration of Article 370. The PAGD includes National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party (Marxist), Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement and Awami National Conference.
“When the alliance was formed its leaders had stated that contesting any elections is not a priority for them and they have come together to fight for the restoration of J&K’s special status, which was abrogated by the Centre on August 5, 2019,” the analyst said, adding, “The PAGD deciding to contest the DDC polls is an indication that regional parties have understood the importance of taking part in the elections. Politicians also seem to have realized that boycott is no solution.”
An observer said, “The Kashmir based political parties are aware of the fact that the delimitation process is on and after it’s completed there is every possibility about assembly elections being held. Another factor which these political formations have to bear in mind is that the Centre has dropped enough hints about J&K’s statehood being restored soon. And if they have to show their presence these parties will have to remain active politically.”
Another analyst said that since the time the PAGD has announced that it would contest the DDC polls collectively the leaders have already started framing a strategy to ensure that alliance wins maximum number of seats at least in Kashmir. “It appears that in the coming days we are likely to see many political activities and many more promises,” he added.

 

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