Iltija Mufti, daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and one of the party’s most high-profile candidates, faced a significant defeat on Tuesday, losing by over 9,000 votes in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat to National Conference’s Basheer Ahmad Shah Veeri. The loss marks a major setback not just for Iltija but for the PDP as a whole, with the party winning only 3 out of 90 seats in Jammu and Kashmir’s elections.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Iltija shared openly about the difficulties she encountered, both on a personal level and as a member of a political party striving to recover after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked in August 2019.
“I think I entered at a time when not only the state but also the party was going through a turbulent period,” she remarked, reflecting on the post-2019 scenario. She pointed to the Central government’s efforts to undermine the PDP and acknowledged the significant anti-incumbency sentiment in the region, especially in Bijbehara, where the PDP had maintained control for four consecutive terms.
Discussing her electoral defeat, Iltija recognized that the strong developmental work of her opponent, Veeri, played a role. “In retrospect, several factors worked against me. There was anti-incumbency, but Veeri sahib’s exceptional developmental work also contributed to my loss,” she admitted.
Despite the setback, Iltija remained hopeful about the PDP’s future, noting the positive response from the public during her campaign. “I was able to inspire hope during a time of despair,” she said, highlighting the large crowds at her campaign events, with men, women, and children showing their support.
Looking forward, Iltija stressed the need for the PDP to rebuild itself. “The party hasn’t just lost an election, it’s been dismantled. Rebuilding will take time,” she acknowledged. However, she remains confident that the PDP can eventually recover, though the journey will be challenging.
Regarding her mother, Mehbooba Mufti’s reaction to the defeat, Iltija shared that Mehbooba had been supportive and pragmatic, anticipating the party’s poor performance in South Kashmir. “She had prepared me for it,” Iltija noted.
As for the new government, Iltija emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir expect meaningful action. “The people have felt disempowered and dispossessed. This government must follow through on its promises,” she stated, pointing to the pressing issues of land, employment, and resources.
While the PDP faces the tough task of recovering from its electoral defeat, Iltija remains cautiously optimistic about the party’s future, though fully aware of the obstacles ahead.