Jammu and Kashmir panchayat polls spark political slugfest; parties set to field proxy candidates to test electoral mood
FirstpostThough Jammu and Kashmir local bodies’ elections will not be fought on a party basis, major parties will field proxy candidates to test the electoral mood. As Shafiq Mir, chairman of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference said: “Though these polls are more social than political in nature, political parties do field proxy candidates.” The main battles will inevitably be in the Valley and Jammu, and it’ll be the first test of their standing with the electorate for both the BJP and PDP – since their split, with the state coming under Governor’s Rule, on 19 June. People of the region will teach the PDP and BJP a lesson as discrimination with Jammu exceeded all limits during their rule.” There are 78 urban local bodies that include Jammu Municipal Corporation and Srinagar Municipal Corporation, 70 Municipal Committees and six Municipal Councils in the state. Singh told party leaders that, “BJP must perform well in the polls as the nation’s eyes are on the happenings in Jammu and Kashmir”.