J-K Poll Result: BJP's Shagun Parihar Wins Kishtwar 5 Years After Losing Father In Terror Attack, Appeals For Peace

Jammu Kashmir Assembly Elections Results 2024: Shagun Parihar, the lone female BJP candidate in the J-K Assembly polls, won the Kishtwar seat by a narrow margin of 521 votes against Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo.

Jammu Kashmir Assembly Elections Results 2024: Five years after losing her father and uncle in a terror attack, Shagun Parihar, the lone woman candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, won the Kishtwar seat on Tuesday. Shagun emerged victorious against veteran National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo by a narrow margin of 521 votes.

Shagun secured 29,053 votes, maintaining a lead throughout the counting process, while Kitchloo, who had previously won the seat in 2002 and 2008, garnered 28,532 votes. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Firdos Ahmed Tak, managed only 997 votes, forfeiting his deposit.

"I bow before the people of Kishtwar for their faith in me and my party. Their support is deeply appreciated. I am humbled by their endorsement," Shagun told reporters after being declared elected, as quoted by news agency PTI. She further expressed that her victory belongs to the nationalist people of Jammu and Kashmir, attributing her success to their blessings.

Shagun's political journey has been deeply influenced by her personal loss. Her father and uncle were killed in a terrorist attack five years ago, and although she had been involved in grassroots work as a student, this election marked her first foray into politics. Aged 29, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Electronics and holds a Master of Technology degree in the same field.

Shagun Parihar emphasised that ensuring the safety and security of Kishtwar, a region with a history of challenges, will be her top priority. "My message to the people is to strive for peace, progress, and prosperity in the region. I will work for the safety and security of the region," she said.

J-K Election Result: Shagun Parihar Among 3 Women Candidates To Win Assembly Bid

Her triumph comes as part of a broader victory for the BJP, which saw 27 of its candidates win in the elections. Shagun is also among the three women who secured seats in Jammu and Kashmir. Hundreds of BJP workers gathered in Kishtwar, celebrating her win with traditional drum beats and waving party flags. They also celebrated Sunil Sharma's victory in the Paddar Nagsene constituency, chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."

"This election is not just about my family but honours all the families who have sacrificed for the nation," Shagun remarked. She also highlighted employment as a pressing issue, pledging to create job opportunities for educated youth in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah campaigned extensively for Shagun, praising her dedication to the families of martyrs in the region.

In addition to Shagun, other notable female candidates include former NC minister Sakeena Masood, who won the D H Pura seat in Kulgam district, and NC's Shamima Firdous, who secured the Habbakadal constituency in Srinagar district. However, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, lost her race in the Surgufwara-Bijbehara constituency. Former PDP minister Asiea Naqash also lost in the Hazratbal seat.