Mon Sep 09 15:43:41 UTC 2024: ## Mufti Granddaughter Makes Electoral Debut in Bijbehara, Faces Stiff Competition from NC
**Bijbehara, Kashmir:** Iltija Mufti, granddaughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, is making her electoral debut in the Bijbehara constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Mufti family. The seat has been held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), founded by her grandfather, since 1996.
This election marks a generational shift in the PDP, as Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija’s mother, has opted out of the contest, citing the ongoing revocation of J&K’s special status.
The contest on September 18 is expected to be a three-way battle between Iltija Mufti, National Conference’s Dr Bashir Veeri, and BJP’s Sufi Yousf.
While Iltija Mufti appears both confident and cautious about her prospects, she is determined to carry forward the legacy of her grandfather. She dismissed concerns about dynastic politics, stating that ultimately the people will decide her fate.
Her main rival, Dr Bashir Veeri, is focusing on local issues and livelihood concerns, alongside the larger political narrative of the National Conference. He emphasizes the impact of Article 370’s abrogation on the people’s identity and livelihood.
The BJP candidate, Sufi Yousf, claims to be the people’s choice, highlighting the BJP’s role in bringing peace to the Valley and the return of Jamaat-e-Islami to the mainstream. He promises development and pledges to release political prisoners.
The election is seen as a crucial test for the PDP, which has faced criticism for its alliance with the BJP and the subsequent loss of special status. The outcome will reveal the extent to which the political landscape of J&K has shifted in the wake of recent events.
First Piper 