Shagun Parihar won the Kishtwar seat in Jammu and Kashmir. However, her victory is more than just a BJP win! It is a triumph for courage, resilience, and the undying spirit of a woman whose family has been ravaged by terrorism.
With a narrow victory over veteran leader Sajad Ahmed Kichloo, Shagun’s journey to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly stands as a powerful symbol that the people are ready for change. She is not just a first-time candidate, nor is she just a young woman of 29. She is the face of BJP’s promise to defeat terrorism and usher in peace in one of the most troubled regions of India.
Shagun Parihar – A Legacy of Sacrifice
Shagun Parihar’s life has been shaped by tragedy. In 2018, Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists assassinated her father, Ajit Parihar, and her uncle, Anil Parihar. Both of them were BJP leaders. The attack shook her family and community. Her father and uncle were well-known for their relentless fight against terrorism. And they lost their lives protecting the very values Shagun stands for today.
Shagun, who was pursuing a PhD in Electronics at the time of her father’s murder, never imagined a life in politics.
However, after the brutal murder of her family members, she felt compelled to continue their fight. To her, this election was not just about her family legacy. It was about every family that has sacrificed for this country! She claimed the seta of Kishtwar in the name of everyone who wants to see a change under the BJP in the region. Hence, to Shagun Parihar, politics is not a career choice. It is a personal mission to finish what her family started – to bring peace and security to Kishtwar.
Did Shagun Parihar’s Victory Challenge Terrorism?
I am deeply grateful to the people and party workers of kishtwar Assembly Constituency for their resounding support and confidence in the assembly election. Your trust has humbled me and I am honored to serve.
Thank You Kishtwar !
Bharat Mata Ki Jay! 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/dluriW0d4O
— ShagunPariharBjp (@ShagunParihar_) October 9, 2024
Winning the Kishtwar seat was no easy feat for the BJP and Shargun Parihar. The region has long been a National Conference (NC) stronghold. Shagun’s opponent, Sajad Ahmed Kichloo, is a seasoned politician and former minister. Yet, despite his experience and influence, Shagun edged him out by a slim margin of 521 votes.
Our Sister Shagun Parihar Who’s Father And Uncle Were Killed By Terrorists In Kishtwar, Jammu Has Won In J&K Elections🇮🇳🔥 #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/3KK03MBL50
— Desidudewithsign (@Nikhilsingh21_) October 8, 2024
Thus, Shagun Parihar’s victory is impressive considering that Kishtwar is a Muslim-majority area with deep-seated political loyalties.
Shagun Parihar a BJP candidate get abused and Attacked By Opposition in kishtwar j&k on voting !; When Hindu of kishtwargot United Day ! She come out victorious from Muslim Dominated constituency !
congratulations @ShagunParihar_ ji 🎉#JammuKashmir #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/WUGaea4sKd— Kunal Patel. 🇮🇳 ( Modi Ji Ka Parivar ) (@krunalp531) October 9, 2024
What makes Shagun’s win so remarkable is the message it sends to the world. Kishtwar has been plagued by militancy for years. For a young Hindu woman and a first-time candidate to win here is nothing short of a political revolution. It shows that if terrorism does not dominate the voter’s mindset, real progress is possible. Shagun’s win signifies that the people of Kishtwar want change. It is a call to defy the state-condoned terrorism. The people of Kishtwar want peace and progress. They are tired of the violence and are ready to embrace a future built on security and prosperity.
A New Dawn for Jammu and Kashmir
Shagun Parihar and the other 28 BJP seats show a turning point for both Kishtwar and Jammu & Kashmir as a whole. The BJP did not win any seats in the Kashmir valley. However, it now holds the largest vote share percentage in the UT. Thus, 25.5% of the people of Jammu showed their faith in the BJP’s stance on progress, terrorism, and abrogration of Article 370.
Shagun Parihar and BJP ran on a platform of peace, safety, and development – values that have resonated deeply with non-radical J&K voters.
“We have lost so many of our soldiers and family members. My first goal is to ensure that every child in Kishtwar grows up under the shadow of peace,” she said.
Shagun’s win from a Muslim-dominant seat also reflects the BJP’s growing influence in Jammu and Kashmir. With PM Modi and HM Amit Shah campaigning extensively for her, Shagun’s candidacy became a statement of BJP’s commitment to defeating terrorism. PM Modi himself referred to Shagun as “a living example of BJP’s resolve to finish off terrorism.”
Kishtwar, once a bastion of the National Conference, now has a new leader – a leader born out of tragedy, yet filled with hope for the future. Shagun’s win proves that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are ready to walk towards peace. Her success is a beacon of hope, showing that even in the most terror-stricken places, the power of democracy and the will of the people can shine through. Let this BJP Lioness roar in the days to come!