‘Example of democracy’?: Despite Modi’s claims, allegations of horsetrading mar Kashmir local polls In the absence of an anti-defection law in the territory, the Centre-backed Apni Party has been courting winning candidates from other parties. Voters at a polling booth in Bandipora district. | Tauseef Mustafa/AFP On December 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed the recently held District Development Council elections in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were an “example of democracy”. But the same day, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference vice-president, Omar Abdullah, held a press conference at which he accused the government of “discrediting” democracy in the Union territory.