In a significant turning point in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Shagun Parihar has made history by becoming the first woman elected to the Assembly on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket. Overcoming personal tragedy and defying the odds in a male-dominated political arena, Shagun’s victory is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her late father and uncle’s legacy.
Her win in Kishtwar, a Muslim-majority constituency, not only makes her a pioneer for women in politics within the region but also signals a shift in the BJP’s appeal across diverse demographics in the Union Territory.
A Historic First for BJP in J&K
For the first time in the electoral history of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has succeeded in electing a female representative to the state legislature. Shagun Parihar, who faced the devastating loss of her father and uncle in a terror attack in November 2018, emerged victorious against seasoned National Conference (NC) leader Sajjad Kitchloo, a two-time MLA and former Home Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, in the Kishtwar Assembly segment. Her triumph is all the more noteworthy as it came from a Muslim-majority district, an area where the BJP has traditionally struggled to make inroads.
Shagun Parihar’s win signifies a major political breakthrough for the BJP in a region that has been both physically and ideologically fragmented due to decades of militancy, political instability, and religious divisions. Her election marks the first time since the establishment of the Praja Parishad in 1947—and the subsequent formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJP’s predecessor—that a woman has been elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on the BJP’s ticket.
While Priya Sethi was a nominated BJP legislator in 2014, her appointment came under the women’s quota and was not the result of a direct electoral victory. Shagun’s success is unique because it represents the BJP’s first elected female MLA, a milestone for the party and a step toward greater gender representation in a region where women have historically been sidelined in political decision-making.
Defying Political Giants: Shagun’s Victory in Kishtwar
Shagun Parihar’s win is a political upset in more ways than one. Kishtwar, part of the Chenab Valley, has long been a bastion of the Kitchloo family and the National Conference. Sajjad Kitchloo, who has served as both MLA and Home Minister of the erstwhile state, was considered a formidable figure in the region. However, Shagun’s candidacy—backed by a blend of sympathy, strategy, and support from her party—managed to break through the political stronghold of the Kitchloo dynasty.
Facing an experienced opponent, Shagun’s victory was hard-fought. The election in Kishtwar saw seven candidates vying for the seat, but the contest ultimately boiled down to a fierce head-to-head battle between Shagun and Kitchloo. Despite being a novice in politics, Shagun secured 29,053 votes, narrowly defeating her rival, who garnered 28,532 votes. The margin of victory was just 521 votes, a slim lead that highlighted the intensity of the race. Interestingly, none of the other candidates in the race crossed 1,000 votes, turning the election into a direct battle between Shagun’s fresh energy and Kitchloo’s entrenched political influence.
A Story of Resilience and Loss
Shagun Parihar’s rise to prominence in the political arena is deeply intertwined with personal tragedy. In November 2018, terrorists killed her father, Ajit Parihar, and her uncle, Anil Parihar, both of whom were key BJP leaders in the Kishtwar district. The attack sent shockwaves across the region, marking a dark chapter in the ongoing militancy that has plagued the Chenab Valley for years. The Parihar brothers were ambushed while returning home one evening, leaving a void in the BJP’s local leadership.
For Shagun, the loss of her father and uncle became a catalyst for her political journey. Rising from the ashes of this personal tragedy, she decided to carry forward her family’s legacy and stand as a symbol of resilience against terrorism. Her victory in Kishtwar is not only a political achievement but also a personal vindication, representing hope for families across Jammu and Kashmir who have endured similar tragedies due to militancy.
Shagun’s Candidacy: A Strategic Move by the BJP
The BJP’s decision to field Shagun Parihar as their candidate in Kishtwar was a calculated political move, designed to broaden the party’s appeal in a district with complex religious demographics. Kishtwar, which has a significant Muslim population, was once a hotbed of terrorism and insurgency. By nominating Shagun, a Hindu candidate with a compelling backstory, the BJP sought to create a narrative of unity and resilience that could resonate with both the Hindu minority and sections of the Muslim electorate.
The party also emphasized her status as a terror victim, framing her candidacy as a symbol of the BJP’s commitment to ending militancy and bringing peace to Jammu and Kashmir. This strategic positioning was reinforced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign rally in the Doda district on September 14, where he strongly endorsed Shagun. He referred to her as “a living symbol of the BJP’s determination to eradicate terrorism” and highlighted her personal loss, stating, “Shagun’s father and uncle were killed by terrorists. The BJP has given this brave daughter a ticket because she embodies our resolve to root out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.”
A New Dawn for Women in Politics
Shagun’s election is not only a victory for the BJP but also for women in Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, female representation in the political arena of the state has been limited, with women often relegated to the sidelines in decision-making processes. Shagun’s win sends a powerful message about the changing dynamics of politics in the region, offering inspiration to young women who aspire to break barriers in public service.
Her win comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a shift in its political landscape following its reorganization as a Union Territory in 2019. With the 2024 Assembly elections serving as a crucial moment in the region’s post-reorganization governance, Shagun Parihar’s victory holds symbolic significance. She stands as a new face of hope, resilience, and political empowerment, particularly for the younger generation looking to reshape the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
