Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Mehraj Malik has emerged victorious in the Doda Assembly seat in Jammu and Kashmir, securing a total of 16,880 votes. His opponent, Gajay Singh Rana from the BJP, garnered 16,024 votes, marking a significant win for Malik by a margin of 4,770 votes. This victory represents a landmark achievement for AAP, as it opens the party’s account in Jammu and Kashmir, following successful campaigns in Punjab and Gujarat.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed his enthusiasm over Malik’s victory, congratulating him and the entire party. “Many congratulations to Aam Aadmi Party’s candidate Mehraj Malik for securing a brilliant victory by defeating BJP in Doda. You fought the election very well. Congratulations to the entire Aam Aadmi Party for having an MLA in the fifth state,” Kejriwal stated. Malik’s success is a noteworthy milestone, particularly as this is the first time AAP has won a seat in the Union Territory.

Mehraj Malik, aged 36, is the District Development Counselor and has declared assets worth Rs 29,070 in his nomination papers. However, it is important to note that he also has six criminal cases registered against him. The Doda region has recently faced a surge in violence, including several terror attacks, with a notable incident in August where an Army captain was killed in action during an encounter with terrorists.

The election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir was highly competitive, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally launching the BJP’s campaign in the region. His visit last month marked the first by a sitting Prime Minister in over four decades, underscoring the BJP’s commitment to the area. AAP’s success in Jammu and Kashmir is particularly noteworthy given the party’s lacklustre performance in Haryana, where it appears to be struggling to make an impact. This contrast raises questions about the party’s strategies, especially as the Delhi elections approach.

In the broader context, the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir saw an impressive voter turnout of 63.88%, with 64.88% of male voters and 63.04% of female voters participating in the electoral process. AAP’s National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, has emphasized the importance of hard work and unity moving forward, cautioning against overconfidence. He highlighted the need for AAP to focus on delivering basic services to the public, especially cleanliness, to secure future electoral victories.

With Mehraj Malik’s win, AAP hopes to leverage this momentum in its ongoing efforts to expand its influence in various regions across India.