Bilal Bashir Bhat
In 2020, Iltija Mufti, today known as “Mamma’s daughter,” reacted strongly when her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, was charged with “being a Daddy’s Girl” in the Public Safety Act (PSA) dossier, stating, “Didn’t know loving your parent constitutes a crime.”
To this day, Iltija is set to make her electoral debut in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, contesting from the Srigufwara–Bijbehara Assembly Constituency.
Despite her earlier claims of having no attraction to politics or the limelight, the 37-year-old is stepping into the fray amid allegations of nepotism and favoritism. However, her path appears unusually smooth: only two opponents stand between her and a seat in the Assembly Hall.
Notably, there are no independent candidates in Srigufwara–Bijbehara, a rarity compared to other constituencies where independents often play a significant role.
On the ground, it seems like it will be a cakewalk for Iltija. The Srigufwara–Bijbehara constituency is at the bottom of the list in terms of candidates, with only three in the fray during the first phase of the J&K Assembly Election 2024. This slim competition contrasts sharply with her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, who has announced she will not contest, citing doubts about fulfilling her party’s agenda under the current union territory setup.
Historically, the Bijbehara constituency has been a stronghold for the Mufti family, with both Mehbooba Mufti and the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed representing the seat long before the formation of the PDP. However, in this election, Iltija faces Sofi Yousuf, a seasoned BJP candidate who has contested numerous elections without a win, and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri of the National Conference, whose family has recently reunited with the party.
While the stage seems set for Iltija’s victory, recent years have taught a crucial lesson: the mood of the voters is unpredictable. With elections in Srigufwara–Bijbehara and 23 other constituencies scheduled for September 18, 2024, and counting set for October 4, all eyes are on the voters who hold the final say.
