Srinagar
The weight of the 2019 general election hangs heavy on the list, with new faces coming in and old ones shooting up and down dependent on what they bring to the table.Take a look at the Express power list.
#26: Mehbooba Mufti, 58
J&K Chief Minister
PDP-BJP alliance govt turns three in J-K: A look at what keeps them together
WHY: Stepping into the giant shoes of her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, and despite being stymied by an overpowering BJP in a coalition government, she has proved she is no pushover. She got the Centre to agree to amnesty to over 8,000 youth named in stone-pelting cases and sees the appointment of interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma as a political victory.
POWER PUNCH: She recently sacked powerful Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, in what was seen as a strong signal to the BJP.
WHAT NEXT: Can she keep walking the tightrope in her alliance with the BJP and deliver on governance as well?
BY THE WAY: Having ditched green, she is now mostly seen in blue clothes.
#59: Ghulam Nabi Azad, 69
Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha
Ghulam Nabi Azad
WHY: The veteran, who has worked with four generations of Gandhis, remains central to the Congress’s plans, both inside and outside Parliament.
POWER PUNCH: Continues to frustrate BJP efforts in the Upper House.
WHAT NEXT: Will be key to Congress coalition building besides leading the Opposition charge as BJP emerges as single-largest party in Rajya Sabha.
BY THE WAY: A nature lover, he doesn’t mind stepping out in the rain or sun.
#72: Omar Abdullah, 48
Working President, National Conference
WHY: His is the most potent voice against the PDP-BJP government in the state. Omar is also believed to have played an important role in father Farooq Abdullah’s return as MP from the prestigious Srinagar seat.
POWER PUNCH: His social media following ensures he is heard on all important debates.
WHAT NEXT: As the PDP-BJP government is seen to fritter away its mandate, Omar has to ensure the NC remains on track.
BY THE WAY: Frequents a new gym in Srinagar.
