Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has conceded defeat in her bid for the Bijbehara constituency in the ongoing assembly elections. As results are announced today, October 8, Iltija expressed her acceptance of the people’s verdict through a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).
In her post, Iltija shared a reflective glimpse of her journey, stating, “I accept the verdict of the people.” This electoral contest marked Iltija’s debut in politics, following a period when her mother was detained after the revocation of Article 370. Mehbooba Mufti, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, did not contest the assembly elections, making Iltija the face of the party in South Kashmir.
Bijbehara is considered a stronghold of the Mufti family, where Mehbooba Mufti had made her electoral debut back in 1996. The constituency has traditionally been a significant seat for the Mufti clan, which has long dominated the region’s political landscape.
In an emotional tribute to her grandfather, the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Iltija shared a poignant memory in her post. She recalled a 2015 photograph taken in front of the Taj Mahal, expressing gratitude for the 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 wrote, showcasing the deep familial bonds and legacy that shape her political identity.
The electoral defeat is a notable moment for the Mufti family, particularly as Iltija aimed to carry forward the political legacy in a region that has seen significant upheaval in recent years. Despite the loss, her engagement in the elections reflects a continued commitment to the political narrative her family has fostered in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the counting continues, the results will not only shape the future of the Mufti family but also impact the broader political landscape in the region, where the voices of the electorate continue to resonate powerfully.
