J&K Assembly Elections: In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Daisy Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit woman, will be contesting the Assembly elections for the first time in three decades. She is being fielded by the Republican Party of India (Athawale), an ally of the BJP within the NDA alliance. Ms. Raina, a former employee of a private company in Delhi and a sarpanch (village head) in Jammu and Kashmir, will run from the Rajpora Assembly constituency in Pulwama.
A Voice For The Youth
Ms. Raina shared that her decision to enter politics came from the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, who encouraged her to represent them. She explained that young people in the region have faced many struggles, especially those born in the 1990s, who have only experienced conflict and violence. “The youth forced her to contest and asked her to ensure that their voice reaches the J&K Assembly’. Through her work as a sarpanch, she regularly interacted with the youth, listening to their problems and concerns.
No Immediate Political Ambitions
When asked about whether she had planned to run for office when Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale visited Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Raina denied it. She explained that the youth’s desire for change led her to contest the elections. Some even joked that she should become the Chief Minister for a day to solve Pulwama’s issues.
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Pulwama: A Troubled Region
Pulwama is often in the news due to violence and conflict, most notably for the 2019 attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. However, Ms. Raina emphasized that she does not believe Pulwama has a negative reputation. She said that while problems do exist, efforts are being made to improve the situation. Ms. Raina also stressed that she has had no major difficulties working in Pulwama, even though few people from her community live there.
Strong Community Bonds
Ms. Raina has lived and worked in Pulwama without needing personal security. She highlighted the close relationship she has with the local Muslim community, recounting how they supported her in various projects, including establishing a Shivling (a representation of Lord Shiva) after she constructed a wazukhana (a place for Muslims to perform ablutions) for the community.
A Profile of Daisy Raina
Daisy Raina worked in New Delhi before returning to Jammu and Kashmir, where she was elected as a sarpanch in 2020. Her leadership skills and dedication to improving the community have earned her respect across different groups in the region. Now, as she prepares to contest in the Assembly elections, her entry into politics represents a significant step for Kashmiri Pandits and women in the region.
First Elections In Nearly 10 Years
These elections mark the first in nearly 10 years for Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the first since the region lost its special status under Article 370 in 2019. The elections will be held across 90 seats in three phases between September 18 and October 1, with counting scheduled for October 8. Daisy Raina’s candidacy is a symbol of hope and change as the region navigates this historic political moment.
