The DDC polls saw many traditional low-turnout areas recording higher participation as compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as well as panchayat polls in 2018. 35.3% votes, A huge improvement from the 9.3% polling in 2018 and 13.8% in the LS elections.
This, a senior J&K government functionary said, was despite these being the first polls to be held after abrogation of Article 370 and their timing during the harsh winter.

District development council (DDC) polls were a far cry from past elections which were marked by allegations of rigging or criticism that they reflected the minority opinion due to abysmal turnouts.

For a change, the hailing of victories by even BJP’s rivals was not grudged by the Centre which saw it as a reaffirmation of the faith of voters and candidates in the fairness of the eight-phase polls. There was a time when India’s reverse in a cricket match against Pakistan would see celebrations in the streets of Kashmir. But the fact that DDC polls not only saw good participation of people in the Valley but also that the results were welcomed by the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) constituents, independents and other parties alike, shows that they all want grassroots democracy that will bring them the benefits of development. The good show by independents reflects the emergence of new and young leadership at the grassroots,”

The participation of the Gupkar Alliance was itself a gain in the post-Article 370 scene.
What is most significant about the DDC polls is that elected local representatives from J&K will, for the first time, be swearing allegiance to the Constitution of India and not the J&K constitution. “This kind of establishes the finality of the Centre’s move to nullify Article 370 in J&K.

A smiling with face with My vote

The local People of kashmir says that conduct and good voter participation in DDC polls were bound to enthuse the authorities to hold assembly elections in the state as early as possible. The DDC poll results have established BJP as a pan-J&K party with presence in all regions of the Union Territory, including Kashmir where the party has picked up seats for the first time. Even In DDC elections people have high expectations on Central Government as well as Lieutenant Governor of J&K. As the longest route of J&K National Highway is now connecting through various Tunnels which will save the Time and precious life of common Masses. The Jammu National Highway was a long pending issue of Kashmir which comes true By The hardwork of Central Government. People Of Kashmir particularly participates in democracy with zeal and enthusiasm. It is the era for which everyone was waiting since years and It comes possible when Narendra modi Govt Abrogates the Article 370 and 35-A. The J&K Youth are expecting that they would be engaged in various private sectors which can help the internal and external economy of the Union Territory.

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text.