Iltija Mufti concedes defeat in Bijbehara, family’s stronghold, J&K.
Iltija Mufti made her much-anticipated electoral debut from Bijbehara, the same constituency where her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, began her political journey in 1996. Bijbehara, a stronghold of the Mufti family, holds significant political importance in Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti’s rise from this constituency set the foundation for her future leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and her tenure as the state’s chief minister. Iltija’s candidacy symbolized the continuation of the Mufti legacy, but the defeat in Bijbehara marked a significant setback for the family in its traditional bastion after decades of influence.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, has conceded defeat in her electoral debut from the Bijbehara constituency in South Kashmir. This highly anticipated election was significant for the Mufti family, given their long-standing political legacy in the region. The results, announced on October 8, marked a turning point, as Iltija Mufti contested from the same seat her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, had once won, beginning her political journey in 1996. However, this election result diverged from the family’s usual narrative, as Iltija lost in the family’s traditional stronghold.
Iltija Mufti’s Political Journey
Iltija Mufti’s decision to enter electoral politics was widely seen as an extension of the Mufti family’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the PDP’s stronghold of South Kashmir. Bijbehara has been an essential constituency for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), founded by Iltija’s grandfather, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who also served as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti’s political career had similarly begun in Bijbehara, which has long been associated with the family’s rise to political prominence.
Iltija’s foray into politics was met with curiosity and anticipation. Her political career began amidst a particularly challenging time for Jammu and Kashmir, post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and statehood. Since then, the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a major shift, with several regional parties, including the PDP, facing challenges in retaining their influence.
Iltija Mufti had taken on significant political responsibilities even before contesting elections. She was an outspoken critic of the government’s policies regarding Jammu and Kashmir and had taken over her mother’s social media accounts during Mehbooba Mufti’s detention following the abrogation of Article 370. Her sharp political commentary and active participation in public discourse had positioned her as a new face of leadership in the PDP. This election was seen as a formal step toward her taking on a more substantial role within the party and regional politics.
Looking Ahead
Despite the defeat, Iltija Mufti’s entry into electoral politics is a significant development for the future of the PDP. Her presence signals a new generation of leadership within the party, one that is grappling with the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political scenario. Iltija has already proven herself to be a vocal and determined political figure, and her journey in politics is likely far from over.
While this election may not have yielded the desired outcome for Iltija and the PDP, it has laid the groundwork for future political endeavors. Iltija’s grace in defeat and her commitment to the people of Bijbehara suggest that she will continue to play an active role in the region’s politics, advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s rights and its people’s welfare.
The road ahead for Iltija Mufti may be challenging, but her perseverance, coupled with the lessons learned from this election, could shape her into a key player in the region’s political future.