India’s newest Union territory Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) will vote for its five constituencies in five phases in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. In the fray are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its prime Opposition – The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) – a collection of political parties in J&K seeking restoration of the hilly state’s special status in Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution.
However, the PAGD seems likely to fall apart, with its biggest members the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) and the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) pitted against each other in Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla. Both national parties BJP and Congress have decided to not field any candidates for these three seats.
Here’s a look at the PAGD’s formation, aim, electoral success and current breakdown
