Kashmiris voters opt for coalition against scrapping autonomy

An alliance between Jammu and Kashmir’s oldest political party and India’s Congress won an election on Tuesday, viewed as a referendum on India’s 2019 decision to revoke the region’s special status. This historic victory not only marks a new beginning for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also sends a strong message to the world that democracy and development go hand in hand.

The National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance, known as the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), emerged as the single largest party in the District Development Council (DDC) elections, winning 110 out of 280 seats. This is a significant win for the alliance as it not only secured a majority but also defeated the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in several key districts.

The DDC elections were held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the region. The decision to revoke Article 370 was a bold move by the Indian government, aimed at integrating the region with the rest of the country and bringing development and prosperity to its people. However, it was met with mixed reactions and sparked protests in the region.

The PAGD’s victory in the DDC elections is a clear indication that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have put their faith in the alliance and its vision for the region. The alliance, led by NC’s Farooq Abdullah and Congress’ Ghulam Nabi Azad, promised to fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and safeguard the rights of its people. Their victory is a testament to the fact that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want their voices to be heard and their concerns to be addressed.

The DDC elections were also seen as a test for the BJP, which has been in power at the center since 2014. The party campaigned aggressively in the region, promising development and progress. However, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen to put their trust in the PAGD, which has a long history of working for the welfare of the region. This victory is a clear message to the BJP that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not compromise on their rights and will not be swayed by empty promises.

The PAGD’s victory is not just a political win, but also a win for democracy. The DDC elections saw a high voter turnout, with people coming out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote. This is a strong indication that the people of Jammu and Kashmir believe in the power of democracy and want to be a part of the decision-making process. The peaceful conduct of the elections is a testament to the fact that democracy is thriving in the region.

The alliance has also promised to work towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and economic growth. The region has immense potential for tourism, agriculture, and industries, and the PAGD has vowed to tap into these resources to bring prosperity to the people. This victory has given a new ray of hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have long been deprived of opportunities and progress.

The PAGD’s victory has also been welcomed by the international community, with many countries congratulating the alliance on its win. This is a clear indication that the world is watching and supporting the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. The alliance has also assured that it will work towards building a peaceful and harmonious relationship with neighboring countries, which will further strengthen the region’s position on the global map.

In conclusion, the alliance between Jammu and Kashmir’s oldest political party and India’s Congress has emerged victorious in the DDC elections, sending a strong message to the world that democracy and development go hand in hand. This victory is a win for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have chosen to put their faith in the alliance and its vision for the region. It is also a win for democracy, as the high voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the elections have shown that the people of Jammu and Kashmir believe in the power of democracy. This historic win marks a new beginning for the region, and it is now up to the alliance to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people and bring prosperity to the beautiful land of Jammu and Kashmir.