Jammu & Kashmir Election: PDP's Iltija Mufti Concedes Defeat From Party's Home Turf Bijbehara

Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has conceded defeat in the South Kashmir Bijbehara constituency, where she was standing in the assembly elections, the results of which are being announced today, 8th October.

Taking to X, the leader shared a post reflecting on her journey and acknowledging the people's decision.

Photo Credit: PTI

"I accept the verdict of the people. The love & affection I received from everyone in Bijbehara will always stay with me. Gratitude to my PDP workers who worked so hard throughout this campaign," Iltija posted.

Iltija gained prominence when her mother was detained following the revocation of Article 370. This time, Mehbooba Mufti did not stand in the assembly polls, leaving 37-year-old Iltija as the party's representative in South Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti also made her electoral debut from Bijbehara in 1996, a constituency long known as a Mufti family stronghold.

**Iltija Mufti's tribute to her grandfather**

Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, paid tribute to her late grandfather Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in an emotional X post as she awaited the results of her electoral debut in the Mufti family stronghold of Bijbehara.

"'Sunny yahan ayain photo ke liye.' In 2015, when you insisted we take a picture in front of the Taj, I hesitatingly agreed. I'm glad you persevered because it turned out to be our last photographic 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, along with a throwback photograph.

**The path to Iltija Mufti's electoral debut**

In mid-August 2019, amidst a complete communication blackout and lockdown, Iltija wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the reasons behind her detention at her Srinagar residence.

She was later allowed to leave the Valley and sought approval from the Supreme Court to visit her mother, which was ultimately granted.

Following Mehbooba's release, Iltija often accompanied her during media interactions and meetings. In June 2022, she began a fortnightly video series on X titled "Aapki baat Iltija ke saath" (Conversations with Iltija), aimed at discussing issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Political Science graduate from Delhi University, Iltija also holds a master's degree in International Relations from Warwick University in the UK.

Iltija is well-known for her vocal opposition to New Delhi's policies in Kashmir and is an active advocate for civil liberties and political rights in the Union Territory. While she keeps her personal life private, her focus remains on her political career.

"I did not only inherit my mother's looks but her stubbornness as well. I am strategic, she is emotional. This is my personality and I hope people discover this as time passes," Iltija had remarked at an AajTak event in Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections were held on 18th September, 25th September, and 1st October.