Counting in J-K begins amid tight security

Jammu/Kashmir: Amid tight security, counting of votes for the 87 Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir has started on Sunday to install a popular government. The election results will end the nearly six-month long Governor's rule in the state.

Counting of votes began at 0900 hrs IST at 22 centres in district headquarters across the state.

J-K saw an unexpected high voter turnout of 61 per cent during the seven-phase elections despite a boycott call by separatists.

The turnout in 2002 elections was 43 per cent. Election commission officials have already said that the 2008 elections will go down as the most credible ever in the state.

Former chief minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah was confident of getting past the half-way mark of 44 seats.

"I am not the one who is thinking of that (hung Assembly). It is you people who are thinking of that. I am thinking we will cross the magic number Insha-allah. My thoughts are only of the task ahead which is going to be very tough. Everything is in doldrums. There are people who are unemployed. They need employment. Hospitals are in a bad shape. Schools are in a bad shape. Colleges, universities, roads, water schemes everything is a tragedy," said Farooq Abdullah.

However, he seems to be contrdicting his son and National Conference President Omar Abdullah who has said that though his party will be the single largest party but it will not reach the half-way mark.

"NC will be the largest party but it is not clear if we get clear majority. NC will get at least 35 seats. After 20 years an election has been fought without guns," said Omar.

He also ruled out joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"We will never join hands with BJP. Congress' loss would mean gain for independent candidates," Omar said.

Omar also said that the high voter turnout presented an opportunity to the Central Government to take some fresh political initiatives in the state.

"The fact that 70 per cent and more people have come out to vote shows there is scope for New Delhi to take initiatives of a more political nature. Reduction in the levels of Rashtriya Rifles, handling over areas dominated by Rashtriya Rifles to the J-K Police. Re-looking at this whole aspect of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act. I believe these are political initiatives but will go a long way in winning the hearts and minds of people. People who have reposed their faith in the electoral process," he said.

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The elections also had a record turnout with nearly 61 per cent of the electorate casting their votes.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said the high turnout will help her party.

"Those who felt that not many people will come out to vote have been proven wrong. People have participated in large numbers because they haven't forgotten the Task Force. They don't want the same government back again. That is why they have come out in large numbers. People are voting in favour of PDP's and Mufti Sayeed's three year rule," claimed Mehbooba.

Her father and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who ruled with Congress support for three years said that a post-poll alliance with the Congress cannot be ruled out.

"Politics is the art of possibility. It is art of possibility. You have to see what is in your kitty. How many members we have? So it is the people who have to decide. But I see a general trend in favour of the PDP. You see Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kashmir, Valley and all that. I see general trend is in favour of PDP. People have rather appreciated the performance of the PDP government," said Sayeed.

Unlike the rest of India, elections in J-K takes place every six years.

In 1996, the National Conference won a clear majority by bagging 57 seats with the Congress just managing to grab seven seats.

The BJP won eight seats. Other parties got 13 seats with the Bahujan Samaj party winning four and the Janata Dal won five. Independents won two seats.

In 2002 it was a hung Assembly with Congress getting 20 seats and the PDP winning 16 seats.

The National Conference was the single largest party with 28 seats, the BJP won just 1 seat. Smaller parties won nine seats with Independents taking 13 seats.