Bhat Yasir
In a move that has set off widespread speculation, Safina Beig has reportedly resigned as Chairperson of the Hajj Committee, fueling rumors that she may be preparing to contest the upcoming assembly election as an independent candidate.
Sources privy to this information told The Kashmiriyat that DDC Chairperson Baramulla Safina Beig is likely contest from Kreeri-Wagoora assembly constituency in Baramulla, while her Husband and former minister Muzaffar Hussain is likely to contest the Baramulla assembly constituency.
Muzaffar Hussain Beig is a politician from Jammu Kashmir, with a career spanning several decades. He first entered the political arena when he was elected to the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 1996, representing the Baramulla constituency.
He served in the assembly until 2002 and was re-elected for a second term from 2002 to 2008. During this time, Beig played a pivotal role in the state’s governance, eventually serving as the Deputy Chief Minister from 2005 to 2008.
He was again re-elected to the Legislative Assembly for a third term from 2008 to 2014, solidifying his influence in the region’s politics.
In addition to his state-level contributions, Muzaffar Beig also represented Jammu and Kashmir at the national level.
In 2014, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Baramulla constituency, serving in the Lok Sabha until 2019. Beig, a co-founder of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been a key figure in the political landscape, known for his legal acumen and advocacy for issues related to the state’s autonomy.
Safina Beig, on the other hand, previously held the position of women’s wing head for the Jammu Kashmir People’s Conference, a detail that was once listed on her social media profile but has since been deleted.
Responding to the speculations, Beig said, “I will meet with my workers and will decide whether to contest the assembly elections.”
In January 2024, there were reports that both Husband-wife duo had joined Mehbooba Mufti led People’s Democratic Party, however, later it turned out to be a rumour.
Also, there were rumors that Hussain had joined BJP. Reacting to the reports, he had said, “Let the invitation come, it’s not necessary to join but what’s more important is to perform one’s duties. After Modi came to power, there has been an improvement in Jammu and Kashmir by 500 times.”
As per media reports, Beig had also revealed that he had good relations with PM Modi.
Safina, if she contests, will be tied in a close race with PDP’s Basharat Bukhari and JDU’s G M Shaheen as opponents in Kreeri-Wagoora assembly constituency.
North Kashmir will go to polls during the final phase of the three phased assembly assembly polls scheduled to start from September 18. The counting of the votes will be held on October 4.