13:37 December 23
Final Results of 278 seats of Jammu and Kashmir announced:
Out of 280 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections, the results of 278 seats have been declared.
The details are as follows:
PAGD: 110
BJP: 75
Congress: 26
JK Apni party:12
Independent candidates: 50
PDF: 2
JKNPP: 2
13:37 December 23
The DDC election result is a victory of the policies of the Govt of India, and of the Jammu & Kashmir administration in successfully conducting the polls. The greatest win is for the locals who have endorsed the country's democratic system: BJP leader Ram Madhav
11:38 December 23
PAGD wins 110 seats, BJP emerges as single largest party by winning 75 seats
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has emerged as the biggest winner in the first-ever District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jammu and Kashmir by winning 110 seats out of 280 while the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 75 seats.
According to the data from Union Territory's election commission, the BJP opened its account in Kashmir for the first time by winning 3 seats in the valley. Fifty Independents have been declared winners in the DDC elections.
The Congress has won 26 seats while the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) put up a dismal performance by bagging 12 council seats.
Hakeem Mohammad Yasin's PDF and the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party bagged two seats each while the BSP also managed to win one seat.
Counting was stopped in two seats - one in Bandipora's Hajin and another in Kupwara's Drugmulla - due to the nationality issues of the candidates.
PDP youth leader Waheed Parra, who is at present in jail after the National Investigation Agency arrested him in a terror funding case, won from Pulwama-1 and polled 1,323 votes against BJP's Sajjad Ahmed Raina who polled only 321 votes.
The BJP had something to cheer about in the Kashmir valley as three of its candidates -- Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmad Khan and Minha Lateef -- won from Khonmoh-II seat in Srinagar, Tulail seat in Bandipora district and Kakpora in Pulwama, respectively.
This is for the first time the BJP has registered a win in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the NC and the PDP.
Responding to the election results, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and NC vice president Omar Abdullah said the results of the DDC elections have made it clear that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted for the Gupkar alliance and rejected the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.
09:27 December 23
Former BJP minister Choudhary loses DDC election in Jammu by 11 votes
Former BJP minister Sham Lal Choudhary lost by a razor-thin margin of 11 votes in Suchetgarh constituency of Jammu district in the maiden District Development Council (DDC) election, officials said on Wednesday.
The Gupkar alliance led by Farooq Abdullah was leading the tally by winning over 110 out of 280 seats on Wednesday, followed by the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, bagging 75 seats, including three in the Kashmir Valley for the first time.
In Jammu, the BJP won 11 seats, followed by independent candidates who got two seats, while one seat went into the kitty of the National Conference (NC).
According to the figures provided by the state election authority (SEA), Sham Lal Choudhary polled 12,958 votes against independent candidate Taranjit Singh, who polled 12,969 votes in Suchetgarh segment of Jammu district.
Choudhary was a cabinet minister in the BJP-PDP coalition government in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
He won assembly elections from Suchetgarh in 2014 and 2008 and is considered to be a powerful leader in the border belt of R S Pura.
Singh, a former NC youth leader, contested the DDC polls as an Independent on the slogan of three new farm laws enacted by the BJP-led central government.
It garnered farmers' support in the Suchetgarh-R S Pura border belt, which is called home of the farming community in the Jammu division as the area is known for its Basmati rice.
08:18 December 23
Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections tally at 9.30 am:
BJP- 74
National Conference - 67
Independent - 49
J&K PDP: 27
Congress: 26
Apni Party: 12
03:02 December 23
PAGD bags over 100 seats, BJP emerges as single largest party by winning 73 seats
The seven-party Gupkar alliance led by Farooq Abdullah was ahead in the seat tally in the maiden District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir by winning or leading in 112 seats out of 280 on Tuesday, followed by the BJP which emerged as the single largest party as it won 73 seats including three in the Kashmir valley for the first time.
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has bagged 100 seats and was leading in 12 others, according to data from the union territory's election commission.
Forty-seven Independents, mainly disgruntled leaders from all political parties, have been declared winners and six more were leading in other seats.
The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) put up a dismal performance by bagging 11 seats and leading in another seat. The Congress so far won 22 seats and was leading in five other council seats.
The eight-phase DDC polls, which began on November 28, are the first election after Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked last year and it was reorganised into a Union Territory. In the election, 140 seats each in the Jammu and Kashmir regions went to polls.
The trends in most seats in the DDC elections were in accordance with expectations -- the BJP maintained its strength in the Jammu division while the PAGD, which includes regional heavyweights the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), was ahead in Kashmir, besides Pir Panchal and the Chenab Valley regions of Jammu.
A day ahead of counting of votes, authorities had detained several PDP and second-rung NC leaders, including Naeem Akhtar, Sartaj Madni, Peer Mansoor and Hilal Ahmad Lone. No reason was given for the detentions.
Senior PDP leader Waheed Parra, who is at present in jail after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him in a terror funding case, won from Pulwama-1 and polled 1,323 votes against BJP's Sajjad Ahmed Raina who polled only 321 votes.
The BJP had something to cheer about in the Kashmir valley as three of its candidates - Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmad Khan and Minha Lateef - won from Khonmoh-II seat in Srinagar, Tulail seat in Bandipora district and Kakpora in Pulwama respectively.
This is for the first time the BJP has registered a win in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the NC and the PDP.
02:23 December 23
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of seven political parties, won 99 seats while the BJP emerged as the single largest party after winning 77 seats in the district development council (DDC) polls, as results for 251 of the 280 seats had been announced by late Tuesday night.
As many as 45 seats were bagged by Independent candidates, while the Congress party won 22 seats.
By winning three seats in Kashmir, the BJP on Tuesday won an election for the first time from any seat in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party. The NC and the PDP are part of the Gupkar Alliance.
This is the first election after Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked last year and it was reorganized into a union territory.
02:22 December 23
15 percent independent candidates won DDC polls in J&K
Forty-two independent candidates have registered their victory in the District Development Council (DDC) elections, the counting for which was under progress late on Tuesday night in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Among the 42 successful independent candidates, the Kashmir valley elected 28 of them while the rest were elected in Jammu region. Both Kashmir and Jammu divisions have 10 districts each.
Seven independent candidates won from Srinagar, the highest in any district in J&K, followed by four each in Pulwama, Shopian and Poonch and three each in Bandipora and Baramulla districts, according to the official data released by J&K Election commission.
Three independent candidates each won from Bandipora and Baramulla, two each in Ganderbal, Kupwara and Anantnag and one in Budgam.
In Jammu region, besides Poonch, the independent candidates registered their win in Ramban, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Reasi and Doda districts.
22:39 December 22
As Gupkar Alliance is leading with 80 seats, being a part of this group, CPI (M) has bagged 5 seats so far.
Speaking to ETV Bharat in this regard, CPI (M) leader and PAGD general secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that he is happy with his party's performance and congratulated party candidates who registered victories in the District Development Council (DDC) elections.
22:25 December 22
Of 247 results declared so far, People’s Alliance of Gupkar Declaration leads overall, with National Conference winning 80 seats. BJP wins over 73 seats. Meanwhile, Indian National Congress, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party and independent party have bagged 23,9 and 62 seats so far.
Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections tally at 9.30pm:
Total: 247/280
22:25 December 22
Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Mehbooba Mufti overwhelmed by Gupkar’s performance in Valley
Peoples Democratic Party supremo and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti was overwhelmed by the Gupkar Declaration’s performance in the DDC election after the new front seems to be heading towards a thumping victory in the Valley against its arch rival BJP.
21:02 December 22
I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020
I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader and former CM Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticised the overplaying of the BJP’s victory in 3 Kashmir constituencies and said that the Gupkar Alliance has strong support in not just the Valley but also in Jammu.
19:22 December 22
BJP registers 3rd victory in Kashmir
The Bharatiya Janata Party has won three seats in Kashmir, the first time for the ruling party at the Centre. The seats are Srinagar, Pulwama, Bandipora. The saffron brigade is also leading in two seats in Kupwara and Anantnag.
Total: 142/280
16:48 December 22
Peer Shahbaz, an independent candidate from Verinag block Anantnag district wins by mere margin 648 votes.
16:42 December 22
Bharatiya Janata Party wins another seat in DDC election as Raja Ijaz Khan of BJP won by a large margin from Talil area of Bandipora.
16:20 December 22
'PAGD will perform better not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu'
Counting of votes polled in the District Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first direct election in the newly carved union territory, is underway.
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of seven political parties, was ahead in 73 seats and the BJP in 50.
Meanwhile, ETV Bharat reporter spoke to Shaukat Ahmed Mir, Provincial Secretary, National Conference, regarding the performance of People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) parties in the DDC elections in Srinagar. Reacting to the victory of PAGD candidates, he said that they would perform better not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu.
15:49 December 22
Rehan Parvez of PDP wins from Eidgah Srinagar in the Urban Local Body elections.
"This was expected. People have shown their support. I'll be working for the development in the area," she says.
15:24 December 22
BJP registers first win in Kashmir
Ajaz Hussain, who is the BJP’s National Vice President and Incharge West Bengal BJP Youth Wing, has won Srinagar’s Khanmoh-2 seat in the DDC polls. Meanwhile, BJP registered it's first win in Kashmir.
15:14 December 22
Out of 14 DDC seats in Srinagar, Independents have won 7 seats, Apni Party emerged victorious at 3 seats, & one seat each by BJP, PDP, National Conference, Jammu & Kashmir People's Movement: Srinagar District Election Officer Dr Shahid Choudhary
15:10 December 22
Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Jailed PDP leader wins DDC elections
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Tuesday won the District Development Council (DDC) elections from the Pulwama-I constituency by 1002 votes. He got 1323 votes against the running candidate, Sajad Ahmad Raina of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who got 321 votes.
Para was contesting elections for the first time as he remained in jail. Five days after he filed his nomination, he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on 25 November.
Meanwhile Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti tweeted," Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails."
15:07 December 22
Counting for Hajin-A, Drugmulla stopped due to nationality issue of candidates
Counting of votes for Hajin-A and Drugmulla constituencies of DDC in north Kashmir's Bandipora and Kupwara districts was stopped on Tuesday due to the nationality status of the candidates contesting from these seats, officials said.
The two women, Shazia Aslam and Somia Sadaf who belong to Pakistan administered Kashmir and are married to local residents in Kashmir, were contesting the DDC polls from Bandipora's Hajin A and Kupwara's Drugmulla, respectively. Both were contesting the elections as Independent candidates.
Shazia Aslam and Somia Sadaf had campaigned aggressively in their areas to woo the voters.
Talking with ETV Bharat, officials said that the counting was stopped as the candidates belong to Pakistan.
When asked why the counting was cancelled, the official said, "Both the candidates had not revealed that they were Pakistani citizens in their forms. That is why the counting for these two seats in Hajin A and Drugmulla was stopped."
The official further said that a decision in this regard will be taken soon.
Wives of former Pakistani militants, who are living in Kashmir with their families under the government's rehabilitation policy, had last week held a protest in Srinagar against the Centre demanding permanent Indian citizenship.
During the early 90s, many Kashmiri men had crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir to get arms training and eventually married the local women there. The Central government and the J&K government over the years introduced policies for such militants who wanted to return to their families in Kashmir. It is under such rehabilitation policies and promises that many former militants with their families returned to Kashmir over the years.
15:00 December 22
Restrictive and prohibitory measures have been put in place. No victory processions will be allowed by political parties and independent candidates without permission: Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan on DDC polls
14:18 December 22
Exclusive interview with D Raja
New Delhi: Asserting that parties involved in People's Alliance for Gopkar Declaration (PAGD) will continue their fight for the restoration of the statehood of J&K, CPI general secretary D Raja on Tuesday told ETV Bharat that the result of the DDC election will tell about the sentiments of the people of the region.
Raja, however, accused BJP led central government of using all its resources to get through the election.
"The results of the district council election can describe the moods of the people of J&K at the time when the BJP government is using all its resources to woo the people," said Raja.
The election took place under different circumstances where the state gave been divided into two union territories, he added.
He said that the objective of the PAGD was to retain the statehood of J&K. "We won the district council election or not, we will continue our fight for the restoration of the statehood of J&K," Raja added.
Under the initiative taken by National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as many as six parties came together to form a grand alliance to fight BJP in the DDC election.
14:12 December 22
BJP wins second seat in Tulail area of Bandipora district.
14:02 December 22
The number of seats won so far:
BJP: 1
Congress :1
JK Apni party: 4
Gupkar Alliance: 4
Others: 11
13:55 December 22
The results will be out today and I am confident of Bhartiya Janata Party's performance. People want to see new leadership take charge in J&K that will help resolve issues in their constituencies: Anurag Thakur, BJP's in-charge for DDC polls.
13:48 December 22
Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020
Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020
BJP leader Ram Madhav has congratulated winning candidate from Balhama Srinagar.
13:44 December 22
Candidates who won from Srinagar so far:
Srinagar 1: Bilal Bhat (Independent)
Srinagar 2: Afroza (JKPM)
Srinagar 3: Malik Aftab ( JKAP)
Harwan 1: Shaista (Independent )
Harwan 2: Ali (Independent)
Harwan 3: Kaiser Ahmad (NC)
Harwan 4: Rizwana (Independent)
Harwan 5: Shabir Ahmad (JKAP)
Harwan 6: Mohd Shaban (Independent)
Qamarwari 1: Jameela Begum (Independent
Qamarwari 2: Mohd Yaseen (Independent)
Khonmah 1: Shameema (Apni
Khonmoh 2: Aijaz Hussain (BJP)
Khonmoh 3: Manzoor Bhat (PDP)
13:40 December 22
BJP leading in Udhampur district.
13:19 December 22
Exclusive interview with Hannan Mollah
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, CPI (M) leader, Hannan Mollah said that DDC elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were held at a time when the democratic rights of people were actually taken away and there is a restrain on the freedom of press and speech in the valley.
12:45 December 22
Exclusive interview with Congress leader Udit Raj.
Test of BJP depends on the number of seats it will win in Kashmir says Congress leader Udit Raj.
12:31 December 22
As per the results, in Baramulla's Kunzar, Wagora, Pranpalan, Rohama and Pattan, Gupkar Alliance candidates, in Rafiabad and Tangmarg, JK Apni party candidates have won.
In Zaniger, Narwao, Buniyar and Tajar Sharif, the Congress has won, while in Baramulla, Singhpora and Sangrama, other party candidates have won.
12:30 December 22
Counting of Votes for Drugmulla Constituency Stopped
Vote counting for Drugmulla constituency has been stopped as there were directions from Election Commission of India that votes for this constituency should not be counted till further communication as one candidate in fray belongs to Muzaffarabad Pakistan.
12:11 December 22
Vote counting underway in Anantnag.
Vote counting underway for DDC polls in Anantnag. Internet services have been suspended in the district as a precautionary measure to avoid any law and order situation.
11:49 December 22
According to trends till now, BJP is leading on 54, Gupkar alliance on 40, Indian National Congress on 19, Jammu Kashmir Apni party on 9 while others on 52 seats across Jammu and Kashmir.
11:49 December 22
According to trends, in Anantnag's Pahalgam, Shahabad, Dachnipura and Veso, BJP is leading while in Verinag, the Congress is leading on one seat and in Burnag other party candidates are leading.
11:35 December 22
Vote counting underway in Ganderbal.
11:02 December 22
Counting underway in Ramban.
Vote counting underway in Rambam. Security has been beefed up in the district.
11:00 December 22
As per the early trends, BJP is leading on 24 seats in Jammu and on 5 seats in Kashmir.
While in Kashmir PAGD is leading on 9 seats and on 4 seats in Kashmir.
10:37 December 22
Vote counting underway in Kathua.
10:35 December 22
In Kishtwar, other party candidates leading on seven seats.
10:10 December 22
Vote counting underway in Anantnag. Security has been beefed in the area meanwhile internet services have also been suspended.
10:00 December 22
Congress leading in Shopian
In Chattargam area of Shopian district of south Kashmir, the Congress is leading on one seat while in Zainpura A the other party is leading on one seat.
In Pampore, Pulwama, Gupkar alliance candidate is leading on one seat.
Meanwhile, Gupkar alliance is leading in Ganderbal A of district Ganderbal
BJP leading in Dachnipura, Anantnag
In Dachnipura of Anantnag district of south Kashmir, the BJP is leading on one seat while the PAGD candidate is leading in Bijbehara
On the other hand, in Hajjan E, P and C of Bandipora district, Gupkar Lines is leading on three seats.
09:49 December 22
Counting of votes underway in Tral
Counting of votes for 280 constituencies of District Development Council for the Tral area is underway in boys higher secondary Tral/
09:39 December 22
Candidate from JK Apni party leading in Kupwara.
In Larno area of Anantnag district of south Kashmir, PAGD is leading on three seats.
In Tangdar area of Kupwara district of north Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Apni party is leading on one seat.
09:39 December 22
Five candidates of Gupkar alliance leading from Rafiabad area of Baramulla district.
In Doda's Bhilsa area BJP is leading on one seat while in Changha independent candidate is leading.
09:31 December 22
Counting of votes underway
Counting of votes for 280 constituencies of District Development Council (DDC) underway at Sher-I Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.
09:10 December 22
Counting begins in Anantnag
Counting of votes will for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory. begins in Anantnag.
09:10 December 22
Counting begins in Jammu.
Counting of votes will for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory begins in Jammu.
08:33 December 22
Internet services suspended
Authorities have suspended internet services in Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag and Pulwama districts of South Kashmir ahead of DDC vote counting.
07:55 December 22
Security beefed up in Doda
Section 144 has been imposed and security beefed up in Doda town ahead of counting of votes.
Tight security arrangements have been made across Doda besides, J&K Police, other paramilitary forces being deployed in the different areas and all polling stations.
Checkpoints have been established in all exit and entrance points.
06:21 December 22
JK DDC POLLS: Counting of votes for 280 DDC seats begins
Srinagar/Jammu: The fate of nearly 2,200 candidates for the 280 District Development Council (DDC) seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be decided on Tuesday, as counting of votes will begin for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, State Election Commissioner KK Sharma on Monday said all necessary arrangements for the counting of votes have been made.
The polling was held over eight phases beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51.42 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which were largely peaceful.
Sharma directed the deputy commissioners that COVID-19 protocols must be observed through mandatory masks and hand sanitiser at each table, besides all the counting staff and other officials should compulsorily wear masks before entering the counting halls.
Officials in the State Election Commission said a total of 2,178 candidates, including over 450 women, were in the fray for the 280 DDC seats.
The elections to this third tier of the Panchayati Raj system were held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir and were the first mass polls after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in August 2019.
Seven Kashmir-centric mainstream political parties, including the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, contested the polls in an alliance under the banner of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) formed for the restoration of Article 370.
The Congress was initially a part of the PAGD but distanced itself from the alliance as the BJP targeted the opposition party for being in league with the 'Gupkar Gang'.
Although Congress went alone in the last seven phases, it is widely believed that its understanding with the PAGD remains intact.
The PAGD is expected to emerge as the single largest grouping at the hustings on Tuesday, followed by the BJP in a close second position while the Congress is expected to fill the third position.
Meanwhile, all necessary arrangements have been made for counting of votes, which will begin at 9 am in all 20 districts of the union territory.
State Election Commissioner Sharma on Sunday reviewed preparations and other arrangements for the counting process.
"The Returning Officers will be in charge of the counting process for each DDC constituency. The entire counting exercise will be monitored and recorded to achieve full transparency," Sharma said.
He said counting of ballot papers would be taken up on a round-wise basis after proper mixing of ballot papers from different polling stations as per the prescribed procedure and counting guidelines.
On the implementation of necessary COVID-19 protocols, Sharma said directions have already been issued to concerned deputy commissioners to adhere to coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the counting process.
13:37 December 23
Final Results of 278 seats of Jammu and Kashmir announced:
Out of 280 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections, the results of 278 seats have been declared.
The details are as follows:
PAGD: 110
BJP: 75
Congress: 26
JK Apni party:12
Independent candidates: 50
PDF: 2
JKNPP: 2
13:37 December 23
The DDC election result is a victory of the policies of the Govt of India, and of the Jammu & Kashmir administration in successfully conducting the polls. The greatest win is for the locals who have endorsed the country's democratic system: BJP leader Ram Madhav
11:38 December 23
PAGD wins 110 seats, BJP emerges as single largest party by winning 75 seats
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has emerged as the biggest winner in the first-ever District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jammu and Kashmir by winning 110 seats out of 280 while the BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 75 seats.
According to the data from Union Territory's election commission, the BJP opened its account in Kashmir for the first time by winning 3 seats in the valley. Fifty Independents have been declared winners in the DDC elections.
The Congress has won 26 seats while the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) put up a dismal performance by bagging 12 council seats.
Hakeem Mohammad Yasin's PDF and the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party bagged two seats each while the BSP also managed to win one seat.
Counting was stopped in two seats - one in Bandipora's Hajin and another in Kupwara's Drugmulla - due to the nationality issues of the candidates.
PDP youth leader Waheed Parra, who is at present in jail after the National Investigation Agency arrested him in a terror funding case, won from Pulwama-1 and polled 1,323 votes against BJP's Sajjad Ahmed Raina who polled only 321 votes.
The BJP had something to cheer about in the Kashmir valley as three of its candidates -- Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmad Khan and Minha Lateef -- won from Khonmoh-II seat in Srinagar, Tulail seat in Bandipora district and Kakpora in Pulwama, respectively.
This is for the first time the BJP has registered a win in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the NC and the PDP.
Responding to the election results, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and NC vice president Omar Abdullah said the results of the DDC elections have made it clear that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted for the Gupkar alliance and rejected the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.
09:27 December 23
Former BJP minister Choudhary loses DDC election in Jammu by 11 votes
Former BJP minister Sham Lal Choudhary lost by a razor-thin margin of 11 votes in Suchetgarh constituency of Jammu district in the maiden District Development Council (DDC) election, officials said on Wednesday.
The Gupkar alliance led by Farooq Abdullah was leading the tally by winning over 110 out of 280 seats on Wednesday, followed by the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, bagging 75 seats, including three in the Kashmir Valley for the first time.
In Jammu, the BJP won 11 seats, followed by independent candidates who got two seats, while one seat went into the kitty of the National Conference (NC).
According to the figures provided by the state election authority (SEA), Sham Lal Choudhary polled 12,958 votes against independent candidate Taranjit Singh, who polled 12,969 votes in Suchetgarh segment of Jammu district.
Choudhary was a cabinet minister in the BJP-PDP coalition government in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
He won assembly elections from Suchetgarh in 2014 and 2008 and is considered to be a powerful leader in the border belt of R S Pura.
Singh, a former NC youth leader, contested the DDC polls as an Independent on the slogan of three new farm laws enacted by the BJP-led central government.
It garnered farmers' support in the Suchetgarh-R S Pura border belt, which is called home of the farming community in the Jammu division as the area is known for its Basmati rice.
08:18 December 23
Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections tally at 9.30 am:
BJP- 74
National Conference - 67
Independent - 49
J&K PDP: 27
Congress: 26
Apni Party: 12
03:02 December 23
PAGD bags over 100 seats, BJP emerges as single largest party by winning 73 seats
The seven-party Gupkar alliance led by Farooq Abdullah was ahead in the seat tally in the maiden District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir by winning or leading in 112 seats out of 280 on Tuesday, followed by the BJP which emerged as the single largest party as it won 73 seats including three in the Kashmir valley for the first time.
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has bagged 100 seats and was leading in 12 others, according to data from the union territory's election commission.
Forty-seven Independents, mainly disgruntled leaders from all political parties, have been declared winners and six more were leading in other seats.
The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) put up a dismal performance by bagging 11 seats and leading in another seat. The Congress so far won 22 seats and was leading in five other council seats.
The eight-phase DDC polls, which began on November 28, are the first election after Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked last year and it was reorganised into a Union Territory. In the election, 140 seats each in the Jammu and Kashmir regions went to polls.
The trends in most seats in the DDC elections were in accordance with expectations -- the BJP maintained its strength in the Jammu division while the PAGD, which includes regional heavyweights the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), was ahead in Kashmir, besides Pir Panchal and the Chenab Valley regions of Jammu.
A day ahead of counting of votes, authorities had detained several PDP and second-rung NC leaders, including Naeem Akhtar, Sartaj Madni, Peer Mansoor and Hilal Ahmad Lone. No reason was given for the detentions.
Senior PDP leader Waheed Parra, who is at present in jail after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him in a terror funding case, won from Pulwama-1 and polled 1,323 votes against BJP's Sajjad Ahmed Raina who polled only 321 votes.
The BJP had something to cheer about in the Kashmir valley as three of its candidates - Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmad Khan and Minha Lateef - won from Khonmoh-II seat in Srinagar, Tulail seat in Bandipora district and Kakpora in Pulwama respectively.
This is for the first time the BJP has registered a win in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the NC and the PDP.
02:23 December 23
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of seven political parties, won 99 seats while the BJP emerged as the single largest party after winning 77 seats in the district development council (DDC) polls, as results for 251 of the 280 seats had been announced by late Tuesday night.
As many as 45 seats were bagged by Independent candidates, while the Congress party won 22 seats.
By winning three seats in Kashmir, the BJP on Tuesday won an election for the first time from any seat in the Valley while facing regional heavyweights like the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party. The NC and the PDP are part of the Gupkar Alliance.
This is the first election after Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked last year and it was reorganized into a union territory.
02:22 December 23
15 percent independent candidates won DDC polls in J&K
Forty-two independent candidates have registered their victory in the District Development Council (DDC) elections, the counting for which was under progress late on Tuesday night in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Among the 42 successful independent candidates, the Kashmir valley elected 28 of them while the rest were elected in Jammu region. Both Kashmir and Jammu divisions have 10 districts each.
Seven independent candidates won from Srinagar, the highest in any district in J&K, followed by four each in Pulwama, Shopian and Poonch and three each in Bandipora and Baramulla districts, according to the official data released by J&K Election commission.
Three independent candidates each won from Bandipora and Baramulla, two each in Ganderbal, Kupwara and Anantnag and one in Budgam.
In Jammu region, besides Poonch, the independent candidates registered their win in Ramban, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Reasi and Doda districts.
22:39 December 22
As Gupkar Alliance is leading with 80 seats, being a part of this group, CPI (M) has bagged 5 seats so far.
Speaking to ETV Bharat in this regard, CPI (M) leader and PAGD general secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that he is happy with his party's performance and congratulated party candidates who registered victories in the District Development Council (DDC) elections.
22:25 December 22
Of 247 results declared so far, People’s Alliance of Gupkar Declaration leads overall, with National Conference winning 80 seats. BJP wins over 73 seats. Meanwhile, Indian National Congress, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party and independent party have bagged 23,9 and 62 seats so far.
Jammu and Kashmir DDC elections tally at 9.30pm:
Total: 247/280
22:25 December 22
Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Todays DDC results have made it clear that people of J&K voted en masse for @JKPAGD thus rejecting the unconstitutional decision to abrogate Article 370. They have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which stands for restoration of J&Ks special status.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Mehbooba Mufti overwhelmed by Gupkar’s performance in Valley
Peoples Democratic Party supremo and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti was overwhelmed by the Gupkar Declaration’s performance in the DDC election after the new front seems to be heading towards a thumping victory in the Valley against its arch rival BJP.
21:02 December 22
I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020
I understand the temptation to over play the 3 seats the BJP has won in the valley but why underplay the 35 wins/leads of the @JKPAGD in Jammu province. We aren’t Kashmir based parties, we are political parties with strong support in both Kashmir AND Jammu.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 22, 2020
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader and former CM Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticised the overplaying of the BJP’s victory in 3 Kashmir constituencies and said that the Gupkar Alliance has strong support in not just the Valley but also in Jammu.
19:22 December 22
BJP registers 3rd victory in Kashmir
The Bharatiya Janata Party has won three seats in Kashmir, the first time for the ruling party at the Centre. The seats are Srinagar, Pulwama, Bandipora. The saffron brigade is also leading in two seats in Kupwara and Anantnag.
Total: 142/280
16:48 December 22
Peer Shahbaz, an independent candidate from Verinag block Anantnag district wins by mere margin 648 votes.
16:42 December 22
Bharatiya Janata Party wins another seat in DDC election as Raja Ijaz Khan of BJP won by a large margin from Talil area of Bandipora.
16:20 December 22
'PAGD will perform better not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu'
Counting of votes polled in the District Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first direct election in the newly carved union territory, is underway.
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of seven political parties, was ahead in 73 seats and the BJP in 50.
Meanwhile, ETV Bharat reporter spoke to Shaukat Ahmed Mir, Provincial Secretary, National Conference, regarding the performance of People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) parties in the DDC elections in Srinagar. Reacting to the victory of PAGD candidates, he said that they would perform better not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu.
15:49 December 22
Rehan Parvez of PDP wins from Eidgah Srinagar in the Urban Local Body elections.
"This was expected. People have shown their support. I'll be working for the development in the area," she says.
15:24 December 22
BJP registers first win in Kashmir
Ajaz Hussain, who is the BJP’s National Vice President and Incharge West Bengal BJP Youth Wing, has won Srinagar’s Khanmoh-2 seat in the DDC polls. Meanwhile, BJP registered it's first win in Kashmir.
15:14 December 22
Out of 14 DDC seats in Srinagar, Independents have won 7 seats, Apni Party emerged victorious at 3 seats, & one seat each by BJP, PDP, National Conference, Jammu & Kashmir People's Movement: Srinagar District Election Officer Dr Shahid Choudhary
15:10 December 22
Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails. pic.twitter.com/MOU8gNUOic
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 22, 2020
Jailed PDP leader wins DDC elections
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Tuesday won the District Development Council (DDC) elections from the Pulwama-I constituency by 1002 votes. He got 1323 votes against the running candidate, Sajad Ahmad Raina of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who got 321 votes.
Para was contesting elections for the first time as he remained in jail. Five days after he filed his nomination, he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on 25 November.
Meanwhile Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti tweeted," Couldn’t be prouder of PDPs @parawahid who won his maiden election by a huge margin of votes. Despite being arrested on baseless charges right after filing his nomination people have shown their love & trust for Waheed. Hope justice prevails."
15:07 December 22
Counting for Hajin-A, Drugmulla stopped due to nationality issue of candidates
Counting of votes for Hajin-A and Drugmulla constituencies of DDC in north Kashmir's Bandipora and Kupwara districts was stopped on Tuesday due to the nationality status of the candidates contesting from these seats, officials said.
The two women, Shazia Aslam and Somia Sadaf who belong to Pakistan administered Kashmir and are married to local residents in Kashmir, were contesting the DDC polls from Bandipora's Hajin A and Kupwara's Drugmulla, respectively. Both were contesting the elections as Independent candidates.
Shazia Aslam and Somia Sadaf had campaigned aggressively in their areas to woo the voters.
Talking with ETV Bharat, officials said that the counting was stopped as the candidates belong to Pakistan.
When asked why the counting was cancelled, the official said, "Both the candidates had not revealed that they were Pakistani citizens in their forms. That is why the counting for these two seats in Hajin A and Drugmulla was stopped."
The official further said that a decision in this regard will be taken soon.
Wives of former Pakistani militants, who are living in Kashmir with their families under the government's rehabilitation policy, had last week held a protest in Srinagar against the Centre demanding permanent Indian citizenship.
During the early 90s, many Kashmiri men had crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir to get arms training and eventually married the local women there. The Central government and the J&K government over the years introduced policies for such militants who wanted to return to their families in Kashmir. It is under such rehabilitation policies and promises that many former militants with their families returned to Kashmir over the years.
15:00 December 22
Restrictive and prohibitory measures have been put in place. No victory processions will be allowed by political parties and independent candidates without permission: Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan on DDC polls
14:18 December 22
Exclusive interview with D Raja
New Delhi: Asserting that parties involved in People's Alliance for Gopkar Declaration (PAGD) will continue their fight for the restoration of the statehood of J&K, CPI general secretary D Raja on Tuesday told ETV Bharat that the result of the DDC election will tell about the sentiments of the people of the region.
Raja, however, accused BJP led central government of using all its resources to get through the election.
"The results of the district council election can describe the moods of the people of J&K at the time when the BJP government is using all its resources to woo the people," said Raja.
The election took place under different circumstances where the state gave been divided into two union territories, he added.
He said that the objective of the PAGD was to retain the statehood of J&K. "We won the district council election or not, we will continue our fight for the restoration of the statehood of J&K," Raja added.
Under the initiative taken by National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as many as six parties came together to form a grand alliance to fight BJP in the DDC election.
14:12 December 22
BJP wins second seat in Tulail area of Bandipora district.
14:02 December 22
The number of seats won so far:
BJP: 1
Congress :1
JK Apni party: 4
Gupkar Alliance: 4
Others: 11
13:55 December 22
The results will be out today and I am confident of Bhartiya Janata Party's performance. People want to see new leadership take charge in J&K that will help resolve issues in their constituencies: Anurag Thakur, BJP's in-charge for DDC polls.
13:48 December 22
Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="">Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020
Congratto @IAmErAijaz Aijaz Hussain, national Vice President, BJYM for winning d first seat from Balhama in Srinagar in DDC elections.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 22, 2020
BJP leader Ram Madhav has congratulated winning candidate from Balhama Srinagar.
13:44 December 22
Candidates who won from Srinagar so far:
Srinagar 1: Bilal Bhat (Independent)
Srinagar 2: Afroza (JKPM)
Srinagar 3: Malik Aftab ( JKAP)
Harwan 1: Shaista (Independent )
Harwan 2: Ali (Independent)
Harwan 3: Kaiser Ahmad (NC)
Harwan 4: Rizwana (Independent)
Harwan 5: Shabir Ahmad (JKAP)
Harwan 6: Mohd Shaban (Independent)
Qamarwari 1: Jameela Begum (Independent
Qamarwari 2: Mohd Yaseen (Independent)
Khonmah 1: Shameema (Apni
Khonmoh 2: Aijaz Hussain (BJP)
Khonmoh 3: Manzoor Bhat (PDP)
13:40 December 22
BJP leading in Udhampur district.
13:19 December 22
Exclusive interview with Hannan Mollah
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, CPI (M) leader, Hannan Mollah said that DDC elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were held at a time when the democratic rights of people were actually taken away and there is a restrain on the freedom of press and speech in the valley.
12:45 December 22
Exclusive interview with Congress leader Udit Raj.
Test of BJP depends on the number of seats it will win in Kashmir says Congress leader Udit Raj.
12:31 December 22
As per the results, in Baramulla's Kunzar, Wagora, Pranpalan, Rohama and Pattan, Gupkar Alliance candidates, in Rafiabad and Tangmarg, JK Apni party candidates have won.
In Zaniger, Narwao, Buniyar and Tajar Sharif, the Congress has won, while in Baramulla, Singhpora and Sangrama, other party candidates have won.
12:30 December 22
Counting of Votes for Drugmulla Constituency Stopped
Vote counting for Drugmulla constituency has been stopped as there were directions from Election Commission of India that votes for this constituency should not be counted till further communication as one candidate in fray belongs to Muzaffarabad Pakistan.
12:11 December 22
Vote counting underway in Anantnag.
Vote counting underway for DDC polls in Anantnag. Internet services have been suspended in the district as a precautionary measure to avoid any law and order situation.
11:49 December 22
According to trends till now, BJP is leading on 54, Gupkar alliance on 40, Indian National Congress on 19, Jammu Kashmir Apni party on 9 while others on 52 seats across Jammu and Kashmir.
11:49 December 22
According to trends, in Anantnag's Pahalgam, Shahabad, Dachnipura and Veso, BJP is leading while in Verinag, the Congress is leading on one seat and in Burnag other party candidates are leading.
11:35 December 22
Vote counting underway in Ganderbal.
11:02 December 22
Counting underway in Ramban.
Vote counting underway in Rambam. Security has been beefed up in the district.
11:00 December 22
As per the early trends, BJP is leading on 24 seats in Jammu and on 5 seats in Kashmir.
While in Kashmir PAGD is leading on 9 seats and on 4 seats in Kashmir.
10:37 December 22
Vote counting underway in Kathua.
10:35 December 22
In Kishtwar, other party candidates leading on seven seats.
10:10 December 22
Vote counting underway in Anantnag. Security has been beefed in the area meanwhile internet services have also been suspended.
10:00 December 22
Congress leading in Shopian
In Chattargam area of Shopian district of south Kashmir, the Congress is leading on one seat while in Zainpura A the other party is leading on one seat.
In Pampore, Pulwama, Gupkar alliance candidate is leading on one seat.
Meanwhile, Gupkar alliance is leading in Ganderbal A of district Ganderbal
BJP leading in Dachnipura, Anantnag
In Dachnipura of Anantnag district of south Kashmir, the BJP is leading on one seat while the PAGD candidate is leading in Bijbehara
On the other hand, in Hajjan E, P and C of Bandipora district, Gupkar Lines is leading on three seats.
09:49 December 22
Counting of votes underway in Tral
Counting of votes for 280 constituencies of District Development Council for the Tral area is underway in boys higher secondary Tral/
09:39 December 22
Candidate from JK Apni party leading in Kupwara.
In Larno area of Anantnag district of south Kashmir, PAGD is leading on three seats.
In Tangdar area of Kupwara district of north Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Apni party is leading on one seat.
09:39 December 22
Five candidates of Gupkar alliance leading from Rafiabad area of Baramulla district.
In Doda's Bhilsa area BJP is leading on one seat while in Changha independent candidate is leading.
09:31 December 22
Counting of votes underway
Counting of votes for 280 constituencies of District Development Council (DDC) underway at Sher-I Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.
09:10 December 22
Counting begins in Anantnag
Counting of votes will for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory. begins in Anantnag.
09:10 December 22
Counting begins in Jammu.
Counting of votes will for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory begins in Jammu.
08:33 December 22
Internet services suspended
Authorities have suspended internet services in Kulgam, Shopian, Anantnag and Pulwama districts of South Kashmir ahead of DDC vote counting.
07:55 December 22
Security beefed up in Doda
Section 144 has been imposed and security beefed up in Doda town ahead of counting of votes.
Tight security arrangements have been made across Doda besides, J&K Police, other paramilitary forces being deployed in the different areas and all polling stations.
Checkpoints have been established in all exit and entrance points.
06:21 December 22
JK DDC POLLS: Counting of votes for 280 DDC seats begins
Srinagar/Jammu: The fate of nearly 2,200 candidates for the 280 District Development Council (DDC) seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be decided on Tuesday, as counting of votes will begin for the eight-phase polls held for the first time in the union territory.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, State Election Commissioner KK Sharma on Monday said all necessary arrangements for the counting of votes have been made.
The polling was held over eight phases beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51.42 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which were largely peaceful.
Sharma directed the deputy commissioners that COVID-19 protocols must be observed through mandatory masks and hand sanitiser at each table, besides all the counting staff and other officials should compulsorily wear masks before entering the counting halls.
Officials in the State Election Commission said a total of 2,178 candidates, including over 450 women, were in the fray for the 280 DDC seats.
The elections to this third tier of the Panchayati Raj system were held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir and were the first mass polls after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in August 2019.
Seven Kashmir-centric mainstream political parties, including the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, contested the polls in an alliance under the banner of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) formed for the restoration of Article 370.
The Congress was initially a part of the PAGD but distanced itself from the alliance as the BJP targeted the opposition party for being in league with the 'Gupkar Gang'.
Although Congress went alone in the last seven phases, it is widely believed that its understanding with the PAGD remains intact.
The PAGD is expected to emerge as the single largest grouping at the hustings on Tuesday, followed by the BJP in a close second position while the Congress is expected to fill the third position.
Meanwhile, all necessary arrangements have been made for counting of votes, which will begin at 9 am in all 20 districts of the union territory.
State Election Commissioner Sharma on Sunday reviewed preparations and other arrangements for the counting process.
"The Returning Officers will be in charge of the counting process for each DDC constituency. The entire counting exercise will be monitored and recorded to achieve full transparency," Sharma said.
He said counting of ballot papers would be taken up on a round-wise basis after proper mixing of ballot papers from different polling stations as per the prescribed procedure and counting guidelines.
On the implementation of necessary COVID-19 protocols, Sharma said directions have already been issued to concerned deputy commissioners to adhere to coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the counting process.
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