First ever DDC polls in Jammu and Kashmir saw victory of 38 Gujjars, 15 of them tribal women

 In first-ever district development council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir, 38 Gujjar community candidates including 15 tribal women have emerged victorious, officials said on Wednesday.

People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) swept maiden DDC polls by winning 110 seats, while BJP emerged as single largest party by getting 75 seats after securing largest vote share in union territory, in results anunced on Tuesday.

As per data of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, an organization of Gujjar community, Jammu province has biggest chunk of 26 winning candidates from Gujjar-Bakerwal community.y are from different parties but a large number of independents from Scheduled Tribe have won election, as per data.

"Highest number of educated tribal youth of Gujjar community have been elected  in eight phased polls, results of which were anunced yesterday and we compliment all of m," ted tribal researcher Dr Javaid Rahi said while releasing summary of election survey.

He said implementation of political reservation in Jammu and Kashmir last year has me it possible that a high number of people from Scheduled Tribes (Gujjars-Bakarwals) can be part of governing bodies at rural level.

"In this election community has h massive participation in democratic process," he ded.

As per data, among winners from Gujjar community 82 percent are youths and first timers, while 37 percent are tribal women from hilly and remote areas.

In Poonch district, nine Gujjars in total 14 seats have been elected which is   highest number in all 20 districts of UT, data said.

Rahi also said Gujjars in J&K form third largest chunk of population after Kashmiris and Dogras and y have been playing a significant role in democratic process since 1947.

While 38 leers from ST community have won elections, around 28 have lost with narrow margins, survey report mentioned.

prominent Gujjars who were elected include former minister and senior Congress leer Taj Mohideen and former minister and Apni Party leer Ajaz Ahmed Khan. 

(IM CREDITS:PTI)