Iltija Mufti, a prominent leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, recently claimed that workers from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) have been attacking her supporters. This accusation comes in the wake of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, where Iltija Mufti faced a tough battle in her first electoral contest.
In the recent elections, Iltija Mufti was running for the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat but ultimately conceded defeat to JKNC candidate Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri. Reports indicated that she was trailing by over 7,000 votes as the counting progressed. Despite her loss, she expressed gratitude towards her supporters and accepted the election results, stating, “I accept the verdict of the people” on social media.
Following her defeat, Iltija Mufti alleged that JKNC workers were physically attacking her campaign workers. This claim highlights the intense political rivalry in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during an election period that has seen heightened tensions. The accusations suggest a troubling atmosphere where political disagreements may escalate into violence, affecting not only candidates but also their supporters.
The 2024 assembly elections were significant as they marked the first since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. The elections saw a competitive landscape with various parties vying for influence in a region that has experienced considerable political upheaval. The JKNC emerged as a strong contender, leading in many seats and positioning itself to form a government alongside Congress.