BJP’s Shagun Parihar Wins Kishtwar Seat in J&K Elections

Five years after enduring a personal tragedy, Shagun Parihar, the sole female Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls, secured a decisive victory in the Kishtwar constituency. The election results, declared on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, marked a significant triumph for Parihar, who has been a prominent figure in the region’s electoral landscape.

Ms. Parihar defeated Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, a seasoned leader from the National Conference (NC) and a former minister. In the highly anticipated contest, Parihar garnered 29,053 votes compared to Kitchloo’s 28,532, winning by a narrow margin of 521 votes. Her win also contributes to the BJP’s tally, with the party securing 27 seats in the region.

In an emotional address following her victory, Ms. Parihar expressed gratitude to the residents of Kishtwar, acknowledging their trust in her leadership. “I bow before the people of Kishtwar for their faith in me and my party. Their support is deeply appreciated,” she declared.

The result is particularly poignant for Ms. Parihar, whose father, Ajit Parihar, and uncle, Anil Parihar, both BJP leaders, were victims of a terrorist attack in 2018. Despite these hardships, Ms. Parihar remained resilient and dedicated to her political cause.

Her campaign focused on key issues such as security and employment, especially within the youth sector. “Ensuring safety and security will be my top priority. We must strive for peace, progress, and prosperity,” she reaffirmed.

The BJP’s strategy of choosing Ms. Parihar as a candidate appears to have paid off in the Kishtwar constituency, known for its diverse religious demographics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted her background as a testament to BJP’s stance against terrorism during his campaign rallies.

Ms. Parihar’s victory was celebrated emphatically by her supporters in Kishtwar, with BJP workers taking to the streets in joy, carrying party flags and chanting slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Shagun Parihar, currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Electronics, further emphasized her commitment to employment opportunities and engaging youth. “My victory honors all those who have sacrificed their lives fighting terrorism and protecting the country,” she stated, dedicating her electoral success to all families affected by terrorism.

Among other women candidates, notable winners include Sakeena Masood from D.H. Pura in Kulgam district and Shamima Firdous from the Habbakadal constituency. Conversely, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and former PDP minister Asiea Naqash, faced defeat in their respective contests.