Chidambaram sees 'good signs' in DDC polls results after Congress wins 26 of 118 contested

As Gupkar alliance won maximum seats in District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leer P Chidambaram has complimented voters for ir cour and resolve. Chidambaram's response assumes significance as Congress h pulled out of Gupkar alliance after BJP's massive attack on party. While Chidambaram has openly spoken in favour of Gupkar alliance, J&K Congress initially maintained silence over ir alliance. In a flip, it again distanced itself from Muftis and Abdullahs and Gupkar alliance after BJP claimed that Congress is supporting 'anti-nationals.'

Chidambaram in a tweet on Wednesday also said that in Jammu region too, a significant number of voters have rejected "divisive and polarising politics of BJP". "Both Congress and Gupkar Alliance have stood up to BJP and may win as many seats as BJP. That is a good sign," he ded. Congress has won 26 seats in DDC polls out of  118 seats it contested.

DDC polls result 

People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration emerged as single-largest coalition in first-ever District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir and first political activity in J&K after abrogation of Article 370. On or hand, BJP too me inros in Union Territory by becoming single-largest party. While it has performed well in Jammu region, three of its top candidates - Er. Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, and Mina Lateef won in Kashmir valley. BJP won 74 seats, Gupkar alliance won 112 seats.  Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) put up a dismal performance by bagging 12 seats. Here are final numbers: 

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti said that poll result has shown that people of Jammu and Kashmir rejected  "unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370." She also claimed that Government of India engineered a split in PDP, and congratulated National Investigation ncy (NIA) days after filing his mination for first ever District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Similarly, Omar Abdullah called upon BJP to pay heed to people's voice. He stressed that alliance was emerging victorious despite facing obstacles such as illegal detentions, ncy threats and pressures, and stopping candidates from campaigning. Thanking people of state for ir support, Abdullah asserted that PAGD will continue to fight for ir rights.

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Congress Breaks Silence; Says It's t Part Of Gupkar Alliance

Congress h asserted that it was t a part of Gupkar Alliance and was contesting district development council elections (DDC) in Jammu and Kashmir to "expose" BJP through democratic means. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a statement that party was against any foreign intervention in India’s internal affairs, including in Jammu and Kashmir. " Congress party is t part of Gupkar Alliance or People's Association for Gupkar Declaration,” Surjewala said. Surjewala’s response comes after BJP targeted Congress, saying it should clarify if it agrees with "anti-national" views of NC and PDP.

PAGD which has several Jammu and Kashmir parties as its constituents is pressing for restoration of J&K’s special status and statehood. Local Congress leers in J&K have maintained that y are t part of Gupkar Alliance and are only going for a seat-sharing arrangement for DDC polls.

RE | J-K authorities detain at least 20 political leers on eve of DDC poll counting

RE | DDC poll result: Gupkar Alliance wins maximum seats, BJP emerges as single-largest party