'PAGD striving for Article 370 restoration within ambit of Constitution': Mehbooba Mufti

On Tuesday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti asserted that Gupkar alliance was striving for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status within ambit of Indian constitution. She was speaking at felicitation ceremony of victorious District Development Council election candidates. In le-up to polls, Mufti h come under fire for saying that she won't raise national flag until Article 370 is brought back.

Moreover, BJP stepped up attack on People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration after NC president Farooq Abdullah reportedly sought China's help to restore Article 370. Seeking to dress this criticism, Mufti clarified that her PDP's struggle was t against people of India but party and government that "humiliated" J&K by repealing its special status. Recalling work done during her short-lived alliance government with BJP, ex-CM said, "We formed government. But we did t leave our nda. If I h compromised on our principles, government would t have collapsed." 

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'Centre disrespecting Constitution' 

On this occasion, Mufti also took a dig at Centre over its handling of farmers' stir against agrarian laws. She contended that this legislation cant be beneficial for farmers as latter have deep reservations. In a reference to both pass of farm bills and abrogation of Article 370, PDP supremo accused Union government of "disrespecting Constitution". 

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DDC polls

 DDC election was conducted in 8 phases between vember 28 and December 19, with a voter turut of 51.42%. It was first big election held after revocation of J&K's special status.  People's Alliance for Gupkar Alliance emerged as single-largest coalition with 110 seats, BJP too me inros in Union Territory by becoming single-largest party with 75 seats. PAGD's constituents- NC, PDP, JKPC, CPI(M) and JKPM bagged 67, 27, 8, 5 and three seats respectively.

After winning 26 seats in DDC election, Congress too has decided to support opposition alliance. Meanwhile, newly formed J&K Apni Party could bag only 12 seats.  DDC which will have a term of 5 years replaces District Planning and Development Boards which were heed by a Cabinet Minister of erstwhile state of J&K. 

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(With PTI inputs)