Srinagar, Oct 24 (IANS): In the first democratic exercise in Kashmir since its special status was abolished over two months back, elections were held to block development councils on Thursday in which BJP bagged 18 blocks and Independents were declared winners on 101.

Congress candidate won from 1 block and 13 women were elected from reserved blocks in the polls held across all the 10 districts of Kashmir Valley.

Ten BJP candidates and 14 Independents were declared winners uncontested.

The BJP won 8 blocks in Shopian, 4 in Pulwama, 3 in Anantnag and 1 in Baramulla, while the National Conference got 1 in Pulwama.

The maximum of 25 Independents won in Baramulla district, 18 in Kupwara, 14 in Budgam, 13 in Anantnag, 12 in Bandipora, 6 in Kulgam, 5 in Ganderbal and 4 each in Srinagar.

Among the BJP candidates declared elected uncontested, 6 were in Shopian, 2 in Pulwama and one each in Anantnag and Budgam districts.

Among the Independents declared elected uncontested, 4 were in Baramula district, 2 each in Pulwama, Budgam and Bandipora and one each in Anantnag, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Srinagar districts.

This was the first electoral exercise held in Kashmir since its special status was abolished in first week of August.