Mehbooba Mufti: Politician
Mehbooba Mufti (born in 1959) is a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's political landscape. She is the daughter of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a veteran politician and founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mehbooba began her political career in the Congress Party but later joined her father in establishing the PDP in 1999. Known for her grassroots connect and empathetic approach, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the PDP’s first woman president. In the 2002 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, she secured a victory from the Pahalgam constituency, marking the PDP's emergence as a significant political force.
In 2016, Mehbooba Mufti became the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, succeeding her father after his demise. Her tenure was marked by efforts to balance governance in a volatile region and promote dialogue between the state and central governments. However, her alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was heavily criticized, leading to the coalition’s collapse in 2018.
Post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Mehbooba was placed under detention for over a year, further solidifying her image as a strong voice advocating for Jammu and Kashmir's special status and rights. She has consistently called for dialogue and reconciliation, often taking bold stands against divisive policies.
A charismatic leader with a deep connection to her people, Mehbooba Mufti remains a significant figure in Indian politics, championing democracy, regional autonomy, and peace in a challenging environment.
