Lone BJP woman candidate Shagun Parihar wins from Kishtwar, vows for region’s security

jammu: At just 29 years old, Shagun Parihar made history as the youngest winner of the 2024 J&K assembly elections. But her victory in Kishtwar, a district often marred by militancy, is more than just a political triumph — it is deeply personal.Shagun’s candidacy is poignant, rooted in personal tragedy. Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists gunned down her father and BJP functionary Ajit Parihar and her uncle Anil Parihar near their home before the panchayat elections on Nov 1, 2018.In a heartfelt speech Tuesday, she emphasised the heavy toll that years of conflict have taken on her community. “We have lost a large number of our soldiers. I have lost my father, and some have lost their brothers and sons. My first effort will be to ensure that every child here has the shadow of a father over his head, that there is peace and prosperity in the area. My efforts will be to bring happiness to every home.”Initially focused on her academic pursuits — she is currently pursuing a PhD —Shagun had no intentions of joining politics. Yet, her family legacy, combined with a sense of duty to her community, led her to step into the political arena.Shagun is one of just three women to have won in these elections. But her victory was no easy feat. She triumphed over Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, a former minister and a prominent figure from NC and Firdous Ahmed Tak from PDP. In a tightly contested race, she secured 29,053 votes, defeating Kichloo by a slim margin of just 521 votes.By fielding Shagun, BJP made a strategic move to broaden its appeal in Kishtwar’s diverse religious landscape. With a large Muslim population and a smaller Hindu community, the district has long been a stronghold for NC, which had won the seat five times. BJP had first claimed the constituency in 2014, when Sunil Sharma won, but this latest win by Shagun has a deeper resonance for the people of Kishtwar.During the campaign, PM Narendra Modi acknowledged the gravity of Shagun’s personal history. Referring to her slain father and uncle, he said: “She is not just our candidate; she is the living example of BJP’s resolve to finish off terrorism.”

Kishtwar Assembly Election Result 2024: BJP's Shagun Parihar defeats NC's Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo by close margin

BJP candidate Shagun Parihar won the Kishtwar seat in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, defeating NC's Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo by 521 votes. Parihar's win follows a high voter turnout of 77%. A terror attack victim, she entered politics following the murder of her father and uncle in 2018, making her electoral debut significant.

J&K election results: BJPs Shagun Parihar, whose father, uncle were killed by terrorists, wins Kishtwar seat

Shagun Parihar of the BJP secured a victory in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar seat by defeating Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo of the National Conference by 521 votes. Parihar, an MTech degree holder and doctoral student, portrayed her campaign as a choice between peace and past violence. Her candidacy aims to bridge religious divides and promote unity in the terror-affected region.

Slain BJP mans daughter wins terror-hit Kishtwar

At 29, Shagun Parihar becomes the youngest winner of the 2024 J&K assembly elections in Kishtwar. Motivated by personal loss, she aims to bring peace and prosperity to a conflict-ridden area. She defeated former minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo by a narrow margin. PM Modi praised her as an embodiment of BJP's resolve against terrorism.

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