In a historic shift, Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly has redefined itself with 51 of the 90 elected entrants being first-timers. Babra Wani explores the implications, if any, of a major development
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) celebrated a triumphant week, capped by Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in ceremony as the union territory’s inaugural chief minister. This milestone was accompanied by the historic entry of most freshers into the Legislative Assembly.
The assembly’s 90 elected members include 51 debutants. Notably, the JKNC, having secured 42 seats, boasts the highest number of new lawmakers. Within the party’s 42 elected seats, 24 newcomers joined the Assembly, solidifying JKNC’s position as the party with the most debutants.
The Bharatiya Janata Party closely trailed the JKNC in the assembly poll results, with 15 new members, over half of the party’s winning candidates. Notably, Shagun Parihar, the party’s sole winning female candidate, is among these newcomers. Despite repeated attempts, contact with Shagun Parihar could not be established.
The Indian National Congress secured six seats, with two newcomers joining their ranks. The People’s Democratic Party’s three winning candidates and the Aam Aadmi Party’s sole winner are also first-time legislators, marking the latter’s inaugural victory in Jammu and Kashmir.
Notable newcomers include Waheed Para of the People’s Democratic Party, Mehraj Malik of the Aam Aadmi Party from Doda and JKNC’s Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, who defeated the Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari.
From Struggle to Success
“I thought political work wouldn’t affect me personally, but I became a case myself,” Waheed Para said. “Issues I handled before now confront me. I’ve been jailed, my home burnt, detained in dark cells and solitary confinement, tortured and framed with fake cases.”
“I face five court hearings monthly. Whatever conflict inflicts on normal lives, I experience daily,” he claimed.
“My father and nephew died due to delayed medical aid and travel. My passport’s gone. Relatives’ verifications are stalled. Yale University rejected my application – suppression of another kind. Huge sacrifices remain unspoken.”
However, he wishes the young people to recognise the dignity inherent in democratic participation, rather than opting for a path marked by imprisonment, litigation and loss of life. “We shall endeavour to foster this vision.”
Tanvir Sadiq, a first-timer NC MLA said politics is never without its struggles – it has more downs than ups. Heartbreak and disappointment are part and parcel of any politician’s journey, “But despite all that, there is one great satisfaction: the ability to help people and knowing you have done something good. That is the same story for me.”
The New MLAs
Several newly elected MLAs boast extensive legislative experience, having served in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha or the Legislative Council in Jammu and Kashmir.
Notable among them is Hasnain Masoodi, a former high court judge and JKNC leader, elected from Pampore. Masoodi previously served as a Lok Sabha member from 2019 to 2024.
PDP’s Mir Mohammad Fayaz secured victory in Kupwara. His political tenure includes serving in the Rajya Sabha from 2015 to 2021. His 2014 Assembly election bid narrowly missed the mark by 151 votes.
In JKNC, there is Bashir Ahmad Veeri, who represents Srigufwara-Bijbehara; Saifuddin Bhat (Khansahib); Javaid Ahmad Mirchal (Karnah); Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Showkat Hussain Ganie (Zainpora), who have had tenure in Jammu and Kashmir legislative council, a house that was undone in 2019.
Vikram Randhawa of the BJP secured the Bahu seat in Jammu, building upon his experience in the Upper House.
Babus Too
Several newly elected members transitioned from bureaucratic careers. Mohan Lal, 58, BJP’s Akhnoor winner, shifted from bureaucracy to politics. He previously served as Senior Superintendent of Police in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, Dr Bharat Bhushan, victor in Kathua, followed the same path. He retired from government service before entering politics.
Six of the seven successful independent candidates are newcomers. Satish Sharma, who won the Chhamb constituency as an independent, defeating BJP’s Rajeev Sharma, has joined the JKNC. Now a minister, his portfolio includes Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Administration and Training.
JKNC has two lawmakers, one each from the police and one from the civil administration. Mohammad Farooq Shah, who retired as Deputy Commissioner joined JKNC and now represents Tangmarg. Javaid Reyaz Bedar, retired as SSP and joined the JKNC and now represents Pattan.
The Political Dynasts
For most of its history, Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape has been dominated by influential families. In this assembly, 13 newly elected members have familial ties to politics. The JKNC boasts the highest number of debutants and also holds the record for most newly elected candidates linked to political families.
Omar Abdullah, the newly elected chief minister, exemplifies this trend. As a third-generation politician, he has previously served twice as chief minister. Omar’s family legacy is marked by his father, Farooq Abdullah, and grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who both held MLA positions and served as chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ali Mohammad Sagar’s son, Salman Sagar, victor of the Hazratbal seat, is set to embark on his inaugural journey in the legislature. Salman’s father, Ali Mohammad Sagar, has served as MLA seven times. The two are the only father-son duo in the assembly.
Alongside him, Mian Mehar Ali, son of Lok Sabha member Mian Altaf, will also make his maiden foray into politics, contesting from the family’s stronghold in Kangan. He acknowledged the weight of expectation upon his candidacy. “As a scion of a political family, particularly following my father’s recent triumph, I felt an overwhelming sense of duty to carry forward our legacy,” he said. “No pressure compelled me; solely responsibility. Four months ago, my obligations were minimal; now they are immense.”
Mehar stated that his father consistently emphasised the importance of giving back to the people. “This is a concept I intend to carry forward. Now, as a representative of my people, I will take all necessary steps to benefit them.”
Mian Altaf’s brother-in-law, Zafar Ali Khatana, is another newcomer to the assembly. He won the Kokernag Assembly Constituency, a seat reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidates following the 2022 delimitation.
Hilal Akbar Lone, son of former assembly speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, emerged victorious in the Sonawari seat. His father held this seat three times between 2002 and 2018.
JKNC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq also made his debut, winning the Zadibal assembly constituency. As the son of former MLA Sadiq Ali, Tanvir’s entry marks a continuation of his family’s legacy in politics. Similarly, Sajjad Shafi, son of former Education Minister Mohammad Shafi Uri, secured the Uri seat.
Irshad Rasool Kar, victorious in the Sopore assembly constituency for the JKNC, is the son of Ghulam Rasool Kar, a veteran Congress leader and former JKPCC chief.
Bashir Ahmad Veeri, MLA for Srigufwara-Bijbehara, and Lal Chowk MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad are sons of prominent politicians. Veeri’s father was Abdul Gani Shah Veeri, a former minister. Ahmad’s father is Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, a former MLC, who had joined politics after retiring from government service. He joined PDP and later switched over to JKNC.
PDP MLA Rafeeq Ahmad Naik won the Tral segment. He is the son of Ali Mohammad Naik, former speaker and JKNC leader. Recalling the wisdom imparted by his father, Ali Mohammad Naik, Rafeeq said: “My father taught me to prioritise the needs of the common people. He would say, ‘You are there to represent them, and that is your duty.’ I am committed to working tirelessly for the benefit of my people.”
Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, MLA for Langate, is the brother of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, a Lok Sabha member from Baramulla.
Expectations
The Assembly elections marked a significant milestone, held after a decade-long hiatus and the first since the region’s downgrade to two union territories.
Waheed underscored the institution’s importance. “Although the assembly may be weak, it embodies the people’s mandate. It serves as an official record and archive of our collective voice,” Waheed Parra said.
Mir Mohammad Fayaz the MLA-elect from Kupwara echoed Waheed’s sentiments. “Despite structural weaknesses, this assembly’s voice must resoundingly express the people’s genuine will and aspirations. Its purpose transcends power, leveraging democratic platforms to convey constituents’ desires and discontent when necessary,” Mir said. “The mandate secured by the largest party sends a clear signal: people expect us to voice their anger and displeasure over decisions made without consent. I must prioritise Kupwara’s unique challenges alongside previously highlighted concerns. We will hold the government accountable, ensuring this assembly serves as an active battleground for people’s rights, development and dignity.”
