Jammu, Dec 6: Even as coalition’s sweeping victory in LC polls have sent shockwaves in the opposition camps, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a reason to rejoice for having snatched number two position from Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Jammu region.
The dismal performance of BJP was one of the most surprising elements of the LC polls in Jammu region, where PDP gained the slot of main opposition, for the first time, since 2002 assembly elections making inroads not only in NC-Cong strong bastions but even leaving a dent in BJP camp, which had won 11 assembly segments in 2008 elections.
“Till recently BJP was the main opposition party in Jammu region but today the party seems to have lost its ground either to the ruling alliance or to the opposition PDP”.
For J-1 constituency Congress candidate Shyam Lal of Congress defeated his nearest rival Gurmeet Singh of PDP by a margin of 7034 votes. Of the 14874 votes polled, Shyam Lal secured 9123 votes while as Gurmeet secured 2089 votes.
For the J-2 seat, Dr Shahnaz Ganai of NC defeated her nearest rival Ved Prakash Gupta of PDP by a margin of 6917 votes. Of the 14812 votes polled for the constituency, Dr Shahnaz secured 9070 votes while as Gupta secured 2153 votes.
Political observers opine that the dismal performance of the opposition parties in the region has not only given an edge to the ruling coalition but has at the same time set the stage for PDP, to make an effective base in Jammu region.
“Elections are number-game but at the same time it gives an analysis of the party performance in a particular area”, a political analyst said adding, “PDP has emerged as No. 1 opposition party in Jammu also, which suggest that it has a strong prospects for the next general elections”.
Political observers believe that a margin of more than 7000 votes for winning coalition candidates is an enough indication of the present political scenario in the region but at the same time it has indicated that only the “PDP has the capability of challenging the ruling coalition in the future electoral battles”.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST