Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 22: Results of the District Development Council elections have made it explicitly clear that political equations in Jammu and Kashmir have changed drastically post abrogation of Article 370.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It’s crystal clear that if Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) remains intact it would give a tough fight to other political parties.”
It’s in place to mention here that PAGD—an amalgam of Kashmir based parties— was formed just one month before the DDC polls were announced in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s headed by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is the vice-president while chairman of Peoples Conference Sajad Gani Lone is the spokesman of the amalgam. The PAGD also comprises of few other parties like Awami National Conference and CPI (M).
The analyst said, “These results have set the tone and tenor for the forthcoming assembly elections that are likely to be held after the delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir is completed. If the PAGD decides to contest the forthcoming elections collectively we can see many more interesting contest in future that will have altogether different permutations and combinations.”
A politician said, “The emergence of PAGD is an indication that the Kashmir based parties cannot afford to part ways in future. These political formations will have to stay together to pose any challenge the other parties.”
He said, “Bharatiya Janata Party, Apni Party and the independents too have won good number of seats. If the voting trends remain same in the forthcoming assembly elections anyone can rule Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. These polls have made it clear that dynamics of politics in J&K has changed completely. The parties which were bete-noire in the past will have to shun their differences to remain relevant in J&K, especially in Kashmir.”
The politicians said, “Many of us were under the impression that PAGD won’t contest the DDC polls but the leaders decided to jump into the fray as most of them realized that if they decide to boycott it will lead to their parties becoming irrelevant. The results have proved that decision taken by the PAGD leaders has helped the amalgam and other Kashmir based parties.”
An observer said, “We have to see how these DDC boards will function after these are formed. Will these boards really help the people or these will just be symbolic? In coming days many things will become clear.”