Dr Sanjay Parva, prominent writer, farmer makes his electoral debut in J&K elections

15 September 2024

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Srinagar, Sept 14: Sanjay Parva, a native of the village Malmoh near Magam in Kashmir, has emerged as a unique candidate for the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections from the Beerwah constituency in Budgam district. A columnist, writer, farmer, a BUMS doctor by profession and someone deeply connected to his motherland and its people, Dr Sanjay’s decision to enter the political arena is both symbolic and significant. He sees this contest as a way to serve the people of Kashmir.

“This election is not just a political contest for me—it is a deeply personal journey to uplift the people of Beerwah”, Dr Sanjay said in a conversation with Ziraat Times at his sprawling Malmoh farm, adding “it represents my hope for unity, progress, and the revival of the values we hold dear.

Owning a sizeable family land at Malmoh, Dr Sanjay has been growing apples, pears and other fruits and vegetables at his farm in recent years.

“If elected, my top priority will be to complete the decades-old pending development projects, bring employment opportunities for the youth, and ensure that every voice in Beerwah is heard and respected. Together, we can turn our shared dreams into reality.” — Dr. Parva said.

With the election symbol of a ‘whistle’, Dr Parva’s slogan is – Naya Beerwah Banayein Ge, Apna Gaaon Sajayein ge (We will build new Beerwah. We will decorate our village”

Beerwah constituency in Kashmir holds political and historical significance for many reasons. It is one of the 90 constituencies in the J&K Legislative Assembly, not reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). In 2014, Omar Abdullah won the Beerwah constituency in 2014 by defeating Congress candidate Nazir Ahmad Khan with a margin of 910 votes. As the 2024 elections approach, Sanjay Parva’s candidacy is poised to introduce a new dimension to Beerwah’s political discourse. With its rich cultural heritage and a diverse electorate, Beerwah has often seen tough contests between major political parties like National Conference (JKNC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) in recent years. The constituency will go to the polls in the second phase on September 25.

The other main contestants in 2024 are Ghulam Ahmad Khan from Peoples Democratic Party’s (JKPDP), Shafi Ahmad Wani from National Conference (JKNC), Nazir Ahmad Khan of Awami Ittihad Party (AIP), Showket Ahmed Wani from People Conference (JKPC), and Showket Hussain Mir from Awami National Conference (JKANC). Congress is not contesting on this seat, leaving it for the JKNC.

Sanjay Parva’s vision for Beerwah

Sanjay Parva says his political vision is deeply rooted in Kashmir’s plural ethos, a culture of coexistence between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims that thrived for centuries before the onset of the armed conflict in the late 1980s. For Parva, this election is more than a personal or political battle—it’s a quest to heal and rebuild the social fabric of Kashmir.

“I believe the bond between Pandits and Muslims can only grow stronger if we work together. This land is as much mine as it is theirs, and my purpose is to serve the people, regardless of their faith or background,” Sanjay says. His message has started resonating with many people in the constituency.

Dr Parva is travelling door-to-door in the constituency and is listening to people, especially the youngsters, about their aspirations and expectations.

However, Dr Sanjay’s candidacy is not without its challenges. Beerwah, like many other parts of the Valley, has witnessed political volatility. The constituency has historically been contested by political heavyweights, and Sanjay will face formidable opponents from established parties like JKNC, JKPDP, Awami Ittihad Party, and People’s Conference. The electoral battle in Beerwah will mainly involve addressing issues like unemployment, infrastructure development, education, and the lack of industrial opportunities in the region.

As someone stepping into active politics for the first time, Sanjay also acknowledges the challenges but believes that he will be able to bring new perspectives and new hopes.

“Politics for me is not about power, but about service”, he said.

Moreover, Sanjay’s vision for Beerwah is grounded in practical governance. He plans to focus on infrastructure development, better educational facilities, employment generation, and promoting local industries. His background as a writer and columnist gives him a deep understanding of Kashmir’s socio-political fabric, which he believes will guide his policies, he believes.

“I am not here to play politics of religion or division,” he insists. “I am here to build bridges and create opportunities for our youth.”

Whether Sanjay will succeed in his electoral quest remains to be seen, but his decision to contest from Beerwah sends a strong message. It is a message of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of Kashmir’s plural ethos.

In 2008, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) candidate Shafi Ahmad Wani registered a win in Beerwah. In the 2002 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, PDP candidate Mohammed Sarfraz Khan defeated JKNC’s Mohammed Amin Banday and Independent candidate Bashir Ahmed Bagh. In 1996 and 1987, the JKNC’s Aga Syed Mehmood Almosvi and Syed Ahmad Syed won the constituency, respectively.

As per data from the Election Commission, there were 93,046 voters in the Beerwah constituency during the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections. Out of this, 48,900 voters were male and 44,146 were female. No voter belonged to the third gender. 50 postal votes were cast in the constituency. The number of service voters in Beerwah in 2014 was 50 (47 were men and 3 were women).