Srinagar: As political activities gain momentum in the Valley, a fresh breed of political scions is taking center stage. These young leaders, mostly contesting elections for the first time, are from prominent political families and are expected to play a significant role in shaping the region’s future.
A look at the new generation of political leaders:
Iltija Mufti of Peoples Democratic Party: 37-year-old Iltija , daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is making her first electoral debut in the Assembly elections and is contesting from South Kashmir’s Srigufwara Bijebehra seat. ltija who is also the media adviser Mehbooba came to the spotlight in 2019 when J&K special status was abrogated and all leaders were put behind bars. That time she openly talked against the abrogation and handled her mother’s social media accounts for over a year. During the Lok Sabha poll, Iltija extensively campaigned for her mother, who unsuccessfully contested from the Anantnag seat.
Mian Mehar Ali of National Conference: Mehar, a 38-year-old newcomer to politics, is the son of veteran National Conference leader and Lok Sabha Member Parliament Mian Altaf, representing the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Mehar is contesting his first election in the Kangan Assembly constituency, carrying on the legacy of his family as a fourth-generation leader.
Tanvir Sadiq (NC): Son of former NC lawmaker Sadiq Ali, Tanvir, 45 year-old is contesting from Zadibal constituency in Srinagar. He is presently the chief spokesman and in charge of communication of the party.
Salman Sagar (NC) : Salman, 40-year-old politician, is the son of National Conference’s general secretary and prominent leader Ali Mohammad Sagar. As the party’s youth president and former Mayor of Srinagar, Salman will be contesting the Hazratbal constituency in Srinagar, marking his entry into the electoral arena.
Ahsan Pardesi (NC): 50-year-old Ahsan is son of bureaucrat-turned-politician Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, contesting from Lal Chowk constituency of Srinagar. He was earlier associated with the PDP.
Yawar Banday (PDP): Yawar, 41, is the grandson of former PDP legislator Abdul Majeed Banday, contesting from Shopian constituency. Yawar joined the PDP three years back.
Mohammad Rafeeq Naik (PDP): Sixty-year-old Naik, the son of former minister and speaker of J&K Assembly Ali Mohammad Naik recently joined the PDP. Naik was a government employee and retired earlier this year. He is contesting from Tral constituency in Pulwama district.
Irshad Rasool Kar (NC): Irshad, 56, is the son of former Member of Parliament late Ghulam Rasool Kar, contesting from Sopore Assembly seat in Baramulla district. A businessman by profession, he joined the National Conference five years ago.
Sajad Shafi (NC) – Son of former MP and NC stalwart Mohammad Shafi Uri, Sajad is contesting from Uri constituency in Baramulla district. Fiftythree-year-old Sajad, a doctor by profession, quit his job in 2006.
Hilal Akbar Lone (NC): Fifty year-old son of former NC MP Akbar Lone, Hilal is an advocate by profession and is contesting from Sonawari Assembly seat in Bandipora district.
