New Delhi: The massive turnout for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections is a "vote for democracy and national integration", said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here Sunday as counting for the polls was underway in the state.

Speaking at the 123rd foundation day celebrations of the Congress here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters: "I think the large turnout in Kashmir is a vote for democracy and national integration. We are all happy at the turnout, and who wins or loses is a secondary issue."

Congress president Sonia Gandhi echoed the view, saying: "It is not important who wins but what is important is that people of Kashmir have expressed full faith in democracy and our neighbour should learn from this. It's a victory for democracy," Gandhi told reporters after she took part in the 123th foundation day celebrations of the Congress party here.

Counting of the votes polled in Jammu and Kashmir's staggered assembly elections was underway Sunday with the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference leading ahead of others.

Gandhi said: "From the very beginning, I have been saying that elections should be held on time. I am glad that elections took place in time in Jammu and Kashmir," she added and wished the assembled reporters "a very happy new year".

Both wished the countrymen a happy new year.

 

Source : IANS