Congress loses buffer role in J&K as BJP & NC-PDP thrive SECTIONS Share Synopsis Congress’ lack-lustre performance in the J&K District Development Council polls has not come as a surprise to its leader. The political and ideological fight between BJP and the Gupkar alliance saw the party’s sidelining in the UT. What does the DDC poll outcome mean for Jammu & Kashmir politics? New Delhi: Congress’ lack-lustre performance in the J&K District Development Council polls has not come as a surprise to its leader. The political and ideological fight between BJP and the Gupkar alliance saw the party’s sidelining in the UT. While the main national opposition was at odds with its contradictory position in Jammu and the Kashmir valley, the absence of high-profile AICC campaigners, factional feuds and local leaders’ focus on family candidates added to the Congress misery.