Page 259 of The Circle of Exile
“In the previous election fought under Atharva Singh Kaul’s leadership, KDP had secured an undisputed absolute majority. This time around, the trends are not moving past half that number…”
Iram’s leg kept shaking beside him. Atharva set his palm atop her knee. A ticker ran under the current seat trends. The old seat share that the parties currently held.
KDP: 49
Awaami Party: 20
Janta Party: 11
Others: 7
“It’s 11.20, and in a few minutes, we will start seeing the trends begin to solidify. At this point, from the margins, it is apparent that Janta Party has multiplied its vote share as well as seat share in constituencies under Udhampur, Kathua, Samba and Reasi. Kishtwar is still a dogfight between KDP and Janta Party. But among these two top contenders, the silent winner emerging may be Awaami Party. After a biting loss in 2014 under Sufiyaan Sheikh, it is now seeing a revival under Momina Aslam… oh yes, the first numbers are in!”
Atharva sat up as the boxes on the side of the screen beamed.
KDP: 26 (22 won, ahead on rest)
Awaami Party: 27 (11 won, ahead on rest)
Janta Party: 31 (27 won, ahead on rest)
Others: 3
“Are you…” Iram voiced in wonder. “How did you do this?!”
“Wait, don’t jump to conclusions.”
“But it’s clear that Janta Party will come out as the bigger brother here…”
“Not yet.”
The news anchor began to stroll across the screen — “If KDP does not secure a majority, and it looks like it will not, then an alliance is the only way to go. And since they partnered with Janta Party in the last government, the probability of this alliance going strong this time is very high. What do you think, Mala?”
“You are absolutely right, Jamal sahab. But this time, KDP will be the smaller party in the government. Maybe Qureshi sahab will not become the CM again.”
“Which is how they fought this election, without a CM face. Atharva Singh Kaul is barred from entering the state, but he did not release a single statement or video for his party. Other big leaders like Adil Hussain and Anand Khatri were also kept off the table for conversations around the CM. So, it is clear that KDP knew it wasn’t winning on CM Qureshi’s face alone. They hence fought on the stability of government… and, more numbers are in!”
Atharva’s mobile buzzed.
“Yes, Vikram?”
“Bhaiya, gadbad ho gayi hai.[74]”
“Bolo.[75]”
“KDP is going with Awaami.”
The numbers got solidified on screen.
“Atharva!” Iram gasped.
KDP: 31
Awaami Party: 27
Janta Party: 28
Others: 1
