In a significant turn of events for the opposition INDIA bloc in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference (NC) dealt a blow on Monday by revealing Mian Altaf, a seasoned religious and Gujjar leader, as the party’s contender for the prestigious Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, a spot also eyed by the PDP.
The declaration of Mian Altaf’s candidacy was made by NC’s vice president, Omar Abdullah, who highlighted Altaf’s long-standing political prowess. Hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in politics, Mian Altaf and his father, Mian Bashir Ahmed, have never faced defeat in assembly elections, with Mian Altaf currently serving as a third-generation MLA from the Kangan constituency in Kashmir.
Expressing confidence in Altaf’s ability to rally support, Omar Abdullah emphasized his popularity across diverse societal segments.
The move by NC has sparked a reaction from the PDP camp, with former minister and senior PDP leader Hameed Choudhry expressing disappointment over the unilateral decision, stating, “We always stood for unity among the INDIA bloc parties, but they (NC) have broken it.”
The NC and PDP, both constituents of the INDIA alliance and partners in the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), have traditionally aligned their interests for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
As the nomination of Mian Altaf reshapes the electoral landscape, the contest for the Anantnag seat, slated for the third phase on May 7, is expected to intensify. Mian Altaf’s strong influence among the Gujjar, Bakerwal, and Pahari communities, predominant in the constituency, adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership in South Kashmir has initiated mobilization efforts. Former minister Zahoor Ahmad Mir convened a meeting with party workers, urging them to kickstart a door-to-door campaign for the PDP candidate in Anantnag.
From a Lineage of Influence
Mian Altaf hails from a distinguished lineage deeply ingrained in the political and religious fabric of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. A seasoned politician, he has served as a legislator and minister on five occasions, earning prominence as a stalwart Gujjar leader with a significant following within the Pahari community as well. The Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, where he now vies for representation, is home to a sizable population of both Gujjars and Paharis.
His family’s legacy traces back through generations of influence. His great-grandfather, Mian Abdullah Larvi, was revered as a saint, wielding considerable sway over the Gujjar and Pahari communities. Continuing this legacy, his grandfather, Mian Nazim ud Din, ventured into politics as an independent candidate. His father, Mian Bashir Ahmad, further solidified the family’s political footprint by securing victory in the assembly elections five times, standing under the banner of the Congress party from the Kangan constituency.
Beyond politics, Altaf also assumes the role of a religious authority, holding the esteemed title of Sajjada Nisheen of the revered shrine in Kangan. This sacred site holds deep significance for the Gujjar and Pahari communities across Jammu and Kashmir, further cementing Mian Altaf’s multifaceted influence in the region.