As regular announcements from the public address system at the International Conference Centre (ICC) here named the winning candidates in the District Development Council and Urban Local Body polls, it mostly included names never heard before in the political circles of the Valley. However, while seven out of 14 seats were bagged by independent candidates in the DDC polls in Srinagar, the winners received a rousing reception from party workers.
The first burst of celebrations came when the announcement regarding victory of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Rehana Parvez from Islam Yarbal in Idgah constituency of Srinagar in the ULB by-polls was made.
Holding her winning certificate and accompanied by party colleagues, Parvez could be seen making jubilant celebrations.
Speaking with the Greater Kashmir, Parvez attributed her win in the ULB by-polls to the people of Islam Yarbal, several of whom were present outside the counting centre.
Parvez thanked her party president Mehbooba Mufti saying “it was equally her victory”. As Parvez was being surrounded by media persons, eager to get a sound-byte from her, she kept flashing the victory sign.
When asked whether the PDP’s performance in the DDC and ULB polls suggested that the party was still a formidable political force, Parvez said: “All small things make a larger good. Although ULB win is just a pebble in the ocean but we are hoping for bigger victories in days to come,” said Parvez. Parvez said she was keen on “serving the people of her municipal ward and ensuring its development.”
The most vocal celebration was witnessed as announcement regarding the win of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Aijaz Hussain from Khonmoh-2 constituency of Srinagar was made. BJP party workers beating drums could be seen garlanding the winning candidate Hussain. Speaking with the Greater Kashmir, Hussain said for him the “party workers who had sacrificed in Kashmir were an inspiration behind his win”. “This victory is dedicated to our workers who give due respect to the tri-colour and have been working selflessly in Jammu and Kashmir in the interest of the party,” Hussain said. Hussain said his victory was a result of the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “People voted for me because they are confident that PM Modi is their well-wisher and someone who cares for the people of Kashmir. My victory is a strong answer to PAGD who had spread propaganda of keeping BJP away. They will be taught a new lesson,” Hussain said.