Pahalgam to witness thrilling contest between strong NC, PDP, Apni Party candidates

Pahalgam, Sep 06: The Pahalgam Assembly constituency in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district is gearing up for a high-stakes triangular contest in the upcoming election. Candidates from various parties are intensifying their efforts to win over voters.

The key contenders are Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo) from the National Conference (NC), Shabir Ahmad Siddiqui from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Rafi Ahmad Mir from the Apni Party.

Political analysts are of the opinion that the NC might have a slight advantage due to the division of PDP votes between the old candidate, Rafi Ahmad Mir, now with the Apni Party, and the new PDP candidate, Dr Shabir Ahmad Siddiqui.

Rafi Ahmad Mir

Rafi Ahmad Mir, a resident of Sallar in Pahalgam, began his political career with the NC, winning elections in 1987. However, he lost subsequent elections in 1996 and 2002. He later joined the PDP, winning the assembly seat in 2008, but lost in 2014 by a narrow margin of around 900 votes. Mir served as the General Secretary of the PDP and held an administrative position as Vice Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation under Mehbooba Mufti’s government before switching to the Apni Party. Mir’s strong local base and experience make him a major contender, analysts believe.

Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo)

Altaf Ahmad Wani, also known as Altaf Kaloo, began his political career in 2008 with an unsuccessful bid for the assembly on an NC ticket. He was later appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council in 2009 and won the assembly seat in 2014 with a margin of 904 votes. Analysts note that Wani also has a strong local base and is considered a significant contender.

Dr Shabir Ahmad Siddiqui

Dr Shabir Ahmad Siddiqui, a relative of Mehbooba Mufti, is contesting for the first time in this election. Although the seat has been previously held by PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti and Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Siddiqui is expected to benefit from the party’s strong local base.

According to analysts, Siddiqui could pose a tough challenge to his opponents, as local voters have previously supported both Rafi Ahmad Mir and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo.

In the 2014 election, Altaf Ahmad Wani secured 25,232 votes, while Rafi Ahmad Mir received 24,328 votes. In 2008, Rafi Ahmad Mir garnered 24,316 votes compared to Wani’s 13,394 votes. Analysts suggest that Mir’s recent association with the PDP could split its vote base, potentially giving NC an edge.

Historically, the Pahalgam seat has been held by Altaf Ahmad Wani (NC) in 2014, Rafi Ahmad Mir (PDP) in 2008, Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) in 2002, Ab Kabir Bhat (NC) in 1996, Rafi Ahmad Mir (NC) in 1987, Pyare Lal Handoo (NC) in 1983 and 1977, Makhan Lal Fotedar (Indian National Congress) in 1972

In the 47-Pahalgam Assembly constituency, there are 69,693 voters (34,983 males and 34,710 females) across 101 polling stations (12 urban and 89 rural)—(KNO)