Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Shagun Parihar has emerged victorious in the Kishtwar seat of Jammu and Kashmir, defeating National Conference’s Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo by a margin of 521 votes, according to the Election Commission. This win is significant not only for the party but also personally for Parihar, whose father and uncle were killed by terrorists.
The BJP’s nomination of Shagun Parihar was a calculated strategy to appeal to the district’s diverse religious demographics. By selecting a candidate with ties to both the sizeable Muslim population and the smaller Hindu community, the party aimed to foster unity and address the concerns of all constituents in a region previously affected by violence.
In her maiden electoral campaign, Shagun Parihar framed the election as a critical choice between those accused of corruption and violence and those dedicated to bringing “peace, security, and prosperity” to the people. She holds an MTech degree in electrical power systems and is currently pursuing a doctorate while preparing for the J&K Public Service Commission examination.
Shagun’s father, Ajeet Parihar, and uncle, Anil Parihar—a senior BJP leader—were tragically killed by terrorists on November 1, 2018, shortly before the panchayat polls. While campaigning, Shagun emphasized that her victory would represent not just her family but every family that has endured loss due to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Her uncle, Anil, was known for his moderate voice within the BJP and had previously garnered support from the Muslim community during his active political involvement.
Historically, Kishtwar has been a stronghold for the National Conference; however, the political landscape began to shift in 2014 when the BJP secured the seat for the first time, with Sunil Sharma as the candidate. Shagun’s win marks a continuation of the BJP’s influence in the region, further solidifying its foothold in Jammu and Kashmir politics.
