Historic 98% turnout in J&K's local body polls would make every Indian proud: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the historic turnout of 98 per centof voters in the Block Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir and said this certainly marks the dawn of new and youthful leadershipin the region.

Congratulating all winning candidates PM Modi said that I congratulate all those who have emerged victorious in the BDC polls across Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come.

"This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come," PM Modi wrote.

The state has 316 blocks but elections were held in 283 blocks on Thursday. In 27 blocks, chairpersons were elected unopposed.

Independents swept the BDC elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP emerges as the single largest party with 81 seats.

One block was won by Congress and eight blocks went to Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party.

(With inputs from agencies)