Rising Female Political Power in J&K: Sakeena Masood, Shagun Parihar, and Shamim Firdous Triumph

Jammu, 08-10-2024: In a significant political development for Jammu and Kashmir, three women candidates have secured victories in the male-dominated legislative assembly, showcasing a growing trend of female political participation in the region. Among the winners is Sakeena Masood of the National Conference (NC), a former minister, who claimed the D H Pora Assembly seat in the Kulgam district, receiving 36,623 votes and defeating Gulzar Ahmed Dar by a margin of 17,449 votes. The Election Commission of India (ECI) records reflect her stronghold in the constituency, which she previously represented when it was known as Noorabad, winning in 1996 and 2008. Her family legacy is notable as her father, Wali Mohammad Itoo, had also won this seat four times.

Another notable victory is that of Shagun Parihar, the lone female candidate from the BJP, who emerged victorious in the Kishtwar Assembly seat. She narrowly defeated veteran NC leader and former minister Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo by a margin of 521 votes, garnering 29,053 votes against Kitchloo’s 28,532. At just 29 years old, Parihar’s victory marks a breakthrough for young female politicians in the region. Expressing her gratitude to the voters of Kishtwar, Parihar stated, “I bow before the people of Kishtwar for their faith in me and my party. Their support is deeply appreciated. I am humbled by their endorsement.” She emphasized that her win was not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the “nationalist people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The third successful candidate is Shamim Firdous, also from the National Conference, who won the Habbakadal seat in the Srinagar district. She secured 12,437 votes, defeating BJP’s Ashok Kumar Bhat by a margin of 9,538 votes. The NC has historically been strong in this constituency, having won it six times since 1977. Firdous had previously represented Habbakadal following her victories in 2008 and 2014, further consolidating her influence in the area.

Despite these gains, some high-profile women candidates faced setbacks. Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, lost the Surgufwara-Bijbehara seat to NC’s Bashir Ahmad Veeri by a margin of 9,770 votes. Iltija polled 23,529 votes compared to Veeri’s 33,299 votes. Similarly, Asiea Naqash, a former minister from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was defeated in the Hazratbal seat.

The elections saw 41 women candidates contesting for assembly seats, reflecting an increasing participation of women compared to 2014 when only 24 women candidates were in the fray. In the 2008 elections, out of 67 women candidates, three were elected, including PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti.

The recent victories highlight a growing momentum for women in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, emphasizing the role of female leadership in shaping the region’s future. The presence of successful women candidates from both established and emerging parties indicates a gradual shift towards more inclusive governance, and these results may serve as a catalyst for more women to participate in the political process in the future.