Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net
In 1996, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed rejoined the Congress, he was assigned the task of fielding candidates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Though he successfully identified candidates for most constituencies, no one was willing to contest the Bijbehara seat on a Congress ticket due to its reputation as a militant stronghold in South Kashmir.
Determined to ensure his birthplace was not left uncontested, he ultimately followed the advice of his political workers and persuaded his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, to run for the seat. She accepted the challenge and won, securing one of only two Congress victories in the Valley. Since then, candidates supported by the Mufti family have never lost in Bijbehara.
In 1996, the stakes for the Mufti family in Bijbehara were relatively modest, primarily focusing on ensuring the seat was not left uncontested. Nearly three decades later, however, the stakes have risen significantly for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP – a political outfit founded by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 1999) as it fields the youngest Mufti politician, Iltija Mufti, in the same constituency.
Iltija gained prominence after the abrogation of Article 370 when she began speaking out against the move and the subsequent shutdown in Kashmir on national TV debates and social media. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She garnered public sympathy and admiration for her vocal advocacy of Kashmiri civil liberties, even from those with differing political views. Subsequently, she was appointed as her mother’s media advisor.
Mohammad Rafiq, 65, from Bijbehara, remarked, “Though I am not affiliated with any political party, I admire Iltija for the courage she has shown in the past few years. When everyone was silent, she openly challenged (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s Kashmir policy. It felt like she wasn’t a politician but one of us. If I vote, it would be for her — not because she belongs to the Mufti family, but because of the bravery she has demonstrated by speaking for Kashmiris during a very tough period. I believe she will continue to speak for the people.”
Reviving the Sinking PDP
In 2014, the PDP experienced an unprecedented surge across the Kashmir Valley, securing 28 seats, the highest in its history. However, the coalition with the BJP, the 2016 unrest and the abrogation of Article 370 (which many believe the BJP used the PDP to achieve) severely damaged the party’s image. After Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded to a Union Territory in 2019, the party faced Centre’s strong-arm tactics, resulting in 18 of its 28 MLAs quitting and weakening the party further. In the current elections, the PDP is only considered a frontrunner in a few constituencies.
Many believe that Iltija Mufti, with her positive public image, has been entrusted with the task of reviving the party and reactivating its cadres. She acknowledges, however, that she cannot achieve this alone and requires the support of party workers.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Iltija said, “While the PDP’s image has not deteriorated as much as people think, we do recognise that there has been some damage. I believe, together, we can elevate the PDP once again. I don’t think I can revive the party on my own — it is only possible if all workers unite. Over the past five years, we have seen a mass exodus of PDP workers, largely orchestrated by New Delhi, but thankfully, I sense our cadres are reconnecting. Especially when I visit South Kashmir, many of our old workers, who were with my grandfather in the Congress and the DNC, are reestablishing ties.”
Beyond reviving the party and preventing its further decline, Iltija faces the formidable challenge of retaining the Bijbehara seat, which could be at risk due to anti-incumbency, with National Conference candidate Bashir Ahmed Veeri gaining traction. Veeri has been drawing crowds not seen for NC candidates in Bijbehara since the 1990s. Past elections have seen upsets, such as Omar Abdullah losing the Sonwar seat, a traditional NC stronghold.
Abdul Rehman, 66, from Bijbehara, commented, “The PDP has been here a long time, and I think many people want change. While Iltija Mufti may be a Mufti family member, Bashir Ahmed Veeri is a strong candidate, and he is drawing big crowds. So, it is not a one-sided contest like before.”
Strong Media Presence
Although several key female political figures are contesting in this election, Iltija stands out for her strong media presence. After the abrogation of Article 370, she began appearing on TV debates, openly opposing Prime Minister Modi’s Kashmir policy and advocating for civil liberties and political rights in Jammu and Kashmir on TV and social media. Her consistent outspokenness against perceived injustices has earned her widespread admiration, with many praising her courage.
Iltija said, “I am Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, and I accept that this privilege gave me a political launch. But for people to accept me long-term, they need to feel a connection. Despite some resentment toward the party, people have liked me because they have seen me speak consistently in the media over the last five years, especially when no one else spoke after the abrogation of Article 370.”
Nepotism Tag
While many view her as someone who has made a name for herself by speaking out against the central government’s Kashmir policy, especially after 2019, others see her as merely another product of “nepotism”. This year, several politicians have paved the way for their children in politics, sparking frustration in Kashmir. From Omar Abdullah’s sons campaigning for candidates to Hilal Lone, son of former MP Akbar Lone, running for office, and Salman Sagar, son of the National Conference secretary, contesting in Khanyar, many believe family rule continues. Iltija is also seen as a political bigwig entering the race for the first time.
Mohammad Sayar (name changed), 29, from Srigufwara, expressed, “I do not understand why political parties keep giving tickets to politicians’ children. Can’t they find new faces? Iltija is getting a ticket only because she is the daughter of a former chief minister, and the PDP is her family’s party. She does not qualify to represent us. These politicians just want their families to rule us, nothing more.”