Iltija Mufti to Contest Upcoming J&K Assembly Elections, Emphasizes Personal Identity.

Iltija Mufti, 37, is set to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Bijbehara, a region known as a stronghold for her family. Determined to carve out her own identity, Iltija expressed her desire for the people of the union territory to recognize her as an individual, not merely as the daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

In an exclusive interview at Aaj Tak’s ‘Panchayat,’ Iltija shared, “I want people to know me for who I am, for my own identity, my personality. I don’t want to be known just as Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter.” She described herself as a blend of her mother’s emotional approach and her grandfather’s strategic mindset, aiming to develop her distinct political persona.

Iltija outlined her election agenda, focusing on employment opportunities and skill development for young people in Jammu and Kashmir. She criticized the BJP-led Central government’s policies, which she claims have led to job losses and instability in the region. Addressing social issues, she stressed the importance of tackling drug and alcohol addiction in Kashmir.

On the prospect of forming a coalition government, Iltija expressed confidence in the PDP’s position, asserting that the BJP would not gain a foothold in Jammu and Kashmir. Her candidacy marks a significant step in her political journey as she seeks to make her own mark in the region’s political landscape.