SRINAGAR, Aug 27: Iltija Mufti, the 35-year-old daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, has officially entered the political arena by filing her nomination papers for the Bijbehara constituency in South Kashmir. This marks her debut in electoral politics, stepping into a role long held by her family within the region. Bijbehara, a significant stronghold for the PDP, has historically been represented by senior party leader Abdul Rehman Veeri from 1999 to 2018.
Addressing the media in Anantnag on Tuesday, Iltija Mufti expressed her deep gratitude to the party for placing their trust in her by selecting her to contest the Bijbehara Assembly seat. She emphasized the emotional significance of this moment, noting that her political journey begins where both her grandfather, the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, and her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, began their own.
“This is a deeply emotional moment for me, and I feel truly honored,” she said, reflecting on the legacy she hopes to carry forward.
Notably, Mehbooba Mufti has committed not to participate in Assembly elections until Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is restored, making Iltija’s entry into the fray particularly significant. Iltija, who also serves as the media adviser to the PDP Chief, rose to prominence in 2019 when she openly voiced her opposition to the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. During that period, when many leaders were detained, she managed her mother’s social media accounts, ensuring that their political message continued to reach the public.
In addition to her advocacy work, Iltija actively campaigned for her mother during the Lok Sabha elections, where Mehbooba Mufti ran for the Anantnag seat. Although the campaign was intense, Mehbooba ultimately did not secure the seat. Now, with Iltija stepping into electoral politics, the Mufti family’s influence in the region may take on a new dimension as she carries forward their political legacy.
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