Kashmir Sep 4: Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for its first assembly elections in a decade, scheduled to commence on September 18. These elections are the first since the region was reconstituted as a Union Territory in 2019. The polls, to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, will culminate in the vote count on October 8. A significant aspect of these elections is the presence of various candidates from politically influential families, poised to extend their family legacies in the region’s political landscape.
Among the prominent is Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, who is a third-generation politician, with his father Farooq Abdullah and grandfather Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah being iconic figures in the region’s political history.
Mian Mehar Ali, the son of Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad. Representing the fourth generation of his family in politics from Kangan, Central Kashmir, Mehar Ali is expected to continue the family tradition while addressing contemporary challenges faced by his constituency.
Another prominent figure is Salman Sagar, son of National Conference (NC) General Secretary and former minister Ali Muhammad Sagar.
Ahsan Pardesi, the son of Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, is contesting on an NC ticket.
Tanvir Sadiq, son of the late Sadiq Ali.
Sadiq Ali was a senior leader in the NC before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his close association with NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah has likely influenced Tanvir’s approach to politics.
In North Kashmir, Irshad Rasool Kar, son of former Congress leader Ghulam Rasool Kar, is also contesting on an NC ticket.
Similarly, Sajad Shafi, son of NC stalwart Muhammad Shafi Uri, will be representing the bordering area of Uri in these elections.
Javid Reyaz Bedar, son of senior NC leader and retired IPS officer Reyaz Bedar, is another candidate continuing a family tradition.
Hilal Akbar Lone, son of former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Muhammad Akbar Lone, brings with him the influence of a political dynasty.
Yawar Mir, the son of Muhammad Dilawar Mir of the Apni Party, has already served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Rafiabad.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and granddaughter of former Union Home Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.
Sajad Gani Lone, son of the assassinated legislator and Peoples Conference founder Abdul Gani Lone.
Imran Ansari, a noted Shia cleric and son of four-time legislator and former minister Moulvi Iftikhar Ansari.
Nasir Aslam Wani son of the late Bashir Ahmad Wani, a former minister and Member of the Constituent Assembly.
Tariq Hameed Karra continues the legacy of Ghulam Mohuiddin Karra, a founding member of the Political Conference and a member of the J&K Constituent Assembly.
Other notable candidates include Rafi Ahmad Mir, son of Ghulam Ahmad Mir, a member of the J&K Constituent Assembly and a veteran politician, now a senior leader of the Apni Party.
Meet J&K politicals who carry families’ legacy in politics
