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Political Dynasts On The Ballot: 8 Scions Making Their Mark In J&K Assembly Elections
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are shaping up to be a dynamic contest, particularly with the entry of several political scions into the fray. These candidates, hailing from influential political families, are vying to carve out their own political paths. Here’s a look at some of the prominent dynastic candidates who are making waves in this election cycle.
Hilal Akbar Lone (NC candidate from Sonawari)
Hilal, a lawyer, is entering politics through the Sonawari assembly segment, previously represented by his father, former J&K Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone. Reports suggest Hilal was detained under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for an alleged inflammatory speech during the 2020 District Development Council (DDC) elections and was imprisoned for a month before being released on bail. He was also detained following the revocation of Article 370.
Mohammad Rafeeq Naik (PDP candidate from Tral)
Naik, son of the late minister and J&K assembly speaker Ali Mohammad Naik, has recently joined the PDP. He is a retired government employee, as per recent reports.
Sajjad Shafi (NC candidate from Uri)
Shafi, a medical doctor and son of Mohammad Shafi, a former state finance minister and MP, has been actively engaged in politics for the last decade. He frequently visits villages in Uri, particularly those along the Line of Control.
Yawar Shafi Banday (PDP candidate from Shopian)
Yawar, a recent PDP member, is the grandson of Mohammad Majeed Banday, a two-time legislator from Shopian. Majeed Banday served as a Congress MLA in 1962 and as an Independent in 1972. Yawar's father, Mohammad Shafi Banday, was an unsuccessful Congress candidate for the Shopian seat in the 2008 Assembly elections.
Salman Sagar (NC candidate for Hazratbal)
Salman, son of the party's general secretary and ex-minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, will contest from the Khanyar constituency, which his father has represented since 1996. Salman has also served as a corporator in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for many years. Both father and son have received tickets to run from Srinagar city.
Ahsan Pardesi, the NC candidate for Lal Chowk
Ahsan Pardesi, the NC candidate for Lal Chowk, is the son of Ghulan Qadir Pardesi, a bureaucrat-turned-politician who has frequently switched between the NC and PDP. Ahsan, the NC's vice-president for the Kashmir province, has long been active in the Lal Chowk area.
Mian Mehar Ali (NC candidate from Kangan)
Mian Mehar Ali, the NC candidate from Kangan, is contesting from his family's stronghold. He is the son of senior NC leader and Srinagar MP Mian Altaf, who won the ST-reserved seat for four consecutive terms from 1987 to 2014. The Mian family has a strong electoral record in Kangan, only missing out in 1983 when they did not field a candidate.
Iltija Mufti (PDP candidate from Bijbehara)
Iltija, daughter of the former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is contesting for the first time from a constituency that has been a stronghold for her family since 1996. Her mother secured the assembly segment in 1996 with a Congress ticket. Iltija faces a direct challenge from Bashir Ahmad Veeri of the National Conference.