JAMMU: At simply 29 years outdated, Shagun Parihar made historical past because the youngest winner of the 2024 J&Ok meeting elections. However her victory in Kishtwar, a district typically marred by militancy, is greater than only a political triumph — it’s deeply private.
Shagun’s candidacy is poignant, rooted in private tragedy. Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists gunned down her father and BJP functionary Ajit Parihar and her uncle Anil Parihar close to their house earlier than the panchayat elections on Nov 1, 2018.
In a heartfelt speech Tuesday, she emphasised the heavy toll that years of battle have taken on her group. “We now have misplaced a lot of our troopers. I’ve misplaced my father, and a few have misplaced their brothers and sons. My first effort shall be to make sure that each little one right here has the shadow of a father over his head, that there’s peace and prosperity within the space. My efforts shall be to carry happiness to each house.”
Initially centered on her tutorial pursuits — she is at present pursuing a PhD —Shagun had no intentions of becoming a member of politics. But, her household legacy, mixed with a way of responsibility to her group, led her to step into the political area.
Shagun is certainly one of simply three ladies to have received in these elections. However her victory was no straightforward feat. She triumphed over Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, a former minister and a outstanding determine 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 simply 521 votes.
By fielding Shagun, BJP made a strategic transfer to broaden its attraction in Kishtwar’s numerous non secular panorama. With a big Muslim inhabitants and a smaller Hindu group, the district has lengthy been a stronghold for NC, which had received the seat 5 occasions. BJP had first claimed the constituency in 2014, when Sunil Sharma received, however this newest win by Shagun has a deeper resonance for the folks of Kishtwar.
In the course of the marketing campaign, PM Narendra Modi acknowledged the gravity of Shagun’s private historical past. Referring to her slain father and uncle, he mentioned: “She isn’t just our candidate; she is the dwelling instance of BJP’s resolve to complete off terrorism.”
As Shagun begins her new function, her focus stays clear: the security, safety, and prosperity of her group. “This victory isn’t just mine. It belongs to the folks of Kishtwar,” she mentioned.
