What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
SRINAGAR: The Bijbehara constituency in South Kashmir is bracing for an intense political face-off in the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir elections. Once dominated by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the seat is now poised for a fierce battle between National Conference’s (NC) Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri and PDP’s Iltija Mufti.
Iltija Mufti, 36, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is making her political debut in the family’s stronghold. But her challenge is no small feat, as she faces off against seasoned NC leader Bashir Veeri in the Bijbehara-Srigufwara seat.
For years, the Mufti family has held sway over this seat. Although the PDP lost in the larger Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary contest, it led in the Bijbehara segment, securing 20,792 votes compared to the NC’s 17,698.
Dr Bashir Veeri, having lost twice before in this constituency, is running again in hopes of reversing his fortunes. Historically, the seat was held by senior PDP figure Abdul Rehman Veeri, but he is now running from the Shangus Anantnag East constituency.
In the 2014 assembly elections, Dr Bashir Veeri secured around 21,000 votes, while Abdul Rehman Veeri garnered about 23,000. Bijbehara’s electoral past includes prominent leaders such as Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Saifuddin Dar, and Mehbooba Mufti, and boasts 102,081 registered voters spread across 125 polling stations.
The New Indian‘s Principal Correspondent, Emaad Makhdoomi, conducted an exclusive interview with the National Conference candidate for the Bijbehara-Srigufwara constituency Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri during his door-to-door campaign in the Arwani area of Bijbehara.
Q: This is the first assembly election in J&K after 10 years. What is the mood of the people in Bijbehara?
A: People are enthusiastic. They have placed their hopes on us, and they have many expectations. However, people are also worried about what has transpired in the last 10 years, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370.
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Q: This constituency has produced two former chief ministers of J&K. Have they contributed well to its development?
A: The area itself stands as a witness to their contributions, if any. You are here in Arwani, and every time I visit, when we cross the new national highway from Bijbehara, it feels like stepping back into the 1970s. There is a severe lack of development—no road infrastructure, and no proper water supply for drinking or irrigation. These are necessities that the area has been deprived of. Despite this, the PDP derived all its power from here, and their representative served as a powerful minister for 12 consecutive years.
Q: Ram Madhav claims the NC’s manifesto would return J&K to instability and alleges that former terrorists are campaigning for them. What’s your response?
A: They are experts in manufacturing false dialogues and theories called “jumlas”. Back in 2014, they promised to deposit 15 lakhs into every account. When they were later asked about this, they admitted these were just “jumlas” They are now trying to divert people’s attention across the country and defame us. Our manifesto and stance on Jammu and Kashmir have remained unchanged for 70 years. We continue to advocate for the return of Article 370. There is no subversive agenda in our manifesto.
