SRINAGAR, Aug 30 (Agencies): The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two main regional political parties, have selected at least five candidates who are relatives of senior politicians.
Iltija Mufti addressing a press conference in Delhi.
PDP has nominated Iltija Mufti, daughter of the former Chief Minister and party president, while the NC has nominated four sons of former ministers to contest in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.
From NC, Mehar Ali, son of Member of Parliament (MP) from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat Mian Altaf, has been given the mandate to contest from their traditional Kangan seat in Ganderbal district, now reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST). Salman Sagar, son of former minister Ali Muhammad Sagar, will contest from the Hazratbal seat in Srinagar district. Hilal Akbar Lone, son of former minister and Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone, will contest from the Sonawari seat in Bandipora district. Sajad Shafi Uri, son of former MLA Muhammad Shafi Uri, will contest from the Uri seat in Baramulla district.
These are first-time candidates from well-established political families in Jammu and Kashmir. They will likely rely on the traditional voter base of their parties, as well as the influence of their parents, who have been elected to the JK Legislative Assembly multiple times in the past.
Despite criticism from various groups, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), regarding the promotion of dynastic politics, such practices continue to benefit both the NC and PDP.
All four new NC candidates come from families that have been loyal to the party and the Abdullah family, with the party leadership placing their trust in them at every level.
For the PDP, the Mufti family remains a unifying factor, especially during challenging times, such as the period following the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019, when many leaders left the party.