Iltija Mufti Concedes Defeat in Bijbehara, Shaking Mufti Family Stronghold in Jammu and Kashmir Election
Iltija Mufti made her electoral debut from Bijbehara, the same constituency where her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, started her journey in 1996.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has conceded defeat. She is contesting from South Kashmir’s Bijbehara constituency in the assembly elections, results of which are being announced today, October 8.
“I accept the verdict…”
Taking to X, the leader shared a post giving a glimpse of her journey and adding that she accepts the “verdict of the people.”
“I accept the verdict of the people. The love & affection I received from everyone in Bijbehara will always stay with me. Gratitude to my PDP workers who worked so hard throughout this campaign,” Iltija Mufti posted.
Iltija gained prominence during the time her mother was detained following the revocation of Article 370. This time, Mehbooba Mufti did not contest the assembly polls and Iltija, 37, was party’s face in South Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti had also made her electoral debut from Bijbehara in 1996, a constituency known as a stronghold of the Mufti family.
Iltija Mufti’s tribute to grandfather
Mehmooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, remembered grandfather Mufti Muhammad Sayeed with an emotional X post while waiting for the results of her electoral debut from Mufti family stronghold Bijbehara.
“‘Sunny yahan ayain photo ke liye’. In 2015 when you insisted we take a picture in front of the Taj I hesitatingly agreed. I’m glad you persevered because it turned out to be our last photographic memory. You epitomised wisdom, grace, magnanimity & dignity. Whatever I know whatever I am is all because of you. I wish you were here today. The best grandfather there will ever be. We miss you,” she penned an emotional note, as she posted the throwback photo.
Path leading to Iltija Mufti’s electoral debut:
In mid-August 2019, amidst a complete communication blackout and lockdown, she wrote a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah, questioning the reasons behind her detention at her Srinagar residence.
Iltija was granted permission to leave the Valley and sought the Supreme Court’s approval to visit her mother, which was ultimately approved.
Following Mehbooba’s release, Iltija regularly accompanied her during media interactions and meetings. In June 2022, she started a fortnightly video series on X called “Aapki baat Iltija ke saath” (conversations with Iltija), aimed at discussing issues and decisions that impact the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
A political science graduate from Delhi University, Iltija earned her master’s degree in international relations from Warwick University in the UK.
Iltija Mufti is also known for her strong opposition to New Delhi’s policies in Kashmir. She actively advocates for civil liberties and political rights in the Union Territory. While she maintains a low profile regarding personal matters, her focus remains on her political career.
“I did not only inherit my mother’s looks but her stubbornness as well. I am strategic, she is emotional. This is my personality and I hope people discover this as time passes,” Iltija had said at an event of AajTak in Kashmir.
The elections to Jammu and Kashmir assembly were held on September 18, 25 and October 1.
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