Shagun Parihar, a rising star in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently made headlines for her victory in the Kishtwar constituency of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). At just 29 years old, Shagun’s political journey is both inspiring and deeply personal, shaped by family tragedy and a sense of duty to her community. Her father and uncle were killed in a terror attack in 2018, making her electoral win a testament to resilience and a dedication to peace.
A Narrow Victory in Kishtwar
In a closely contested race, Shagun Parihar won the Kishtwar seat by defeating veteran National Conference (NC) leader and former minister, Sajad Ahmed Kichloo, by a margin of just 521 votes. Parihar secured 29,053 votes, while Kichloo garnered 28,532 in a Muslim-majority constituency. Shagun is the only female BJP candidate to win in J&K’s 2024 elections and one of just three women elected overall. The other two women winners include former NC minister Sakeena Masood from DH Pura, and NC’s Shamima Firdous from Habbakadal.
Shagun’s victory in Kishtwar is particularly significant because the region has traditionally been a stronghold of the National Conference. However, since 2014, the BJP has made inroads in the area, culminating in her win, which marks a critical shift in Kishtwar’s political landscape.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Shagun’s entry into politics was not planned. She was pursuing a PhD in Electronics and had already completed an MTech in Electrical Power Systems. Her life took a dramatic turn on November 1, 2018, when her father, Ajit Parihar, and uncle, Anil Parihar, were killed in a terror attack just before the panchayat elections. Anil Parihar was a senior BJP leader who had garnered support from the Muslim community in Kishtwar and had been actively involved in regional politics since the 1990s.
After her father and uncle’s deaths, Shagun felt a deep sense of responsibility to continue her family’s legacy of public service. Motivated by this duty, she decided to enter the political arena, despite having no previous intentions of doing so.
BJP’s Strategic Move in Kishtwar
The BJP’s decision to field Shagun Parihar as their candidate in Kishtwar was a calculated one. Given the region’s history of terrorist activities and its religiously diverse population, her candidacy symbolized the party’s efforts to unite the local Hindu and Muslim communities.
In her maiden campaign, Shagun emphasized the election’s focus on peace, security, and prosperity. She portrayed her candidacy as a choice between leaders accused of corruption and violence and those, like herself, who were committed to ending terrorism and ensuring a secure future for all families in J&K.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a campaign rally in J&K’s Doda district, referred to Shagun’s personal loss and praised her for embodying the BJP’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in the region. “She is not just our candidate; she is a living example of the BJP’s determination to eradicate terrorism,” Modi said.
A Message of Peace and Security
Following her victory, Shagun expressed her gratitude to the people of Kishtwar. “I bow before the people of Kishtwar for their faith in me and my party. Their support is deeply appreciated. I am humbled by their endorsement,” she said.
Her top priority post-victory is ensuring the safety and security of the region, which has long been affected by violence. Shagun reiterated that her win is not just for her family but for all the families in J&K who have sacrificed in the fight against terrorism. “My victory honors all those who have sacrificed their lives fighting terrorism and protecting the country,” she said.
Shagun Parihar’s victory in Kishtwar is not just a political triumph; it is a statement of resilience and hope for a region that has seen decades of unrest. Her focus will now be on fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, a vision she hopes to realize in honor of her father and uncle’s legacy. With the backing of BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shagun is set to play a key role in shaping the future of J&K’s political landscape.
Her journey from an academic focused on her studies to a key political figure underscores her commitment to her community and her determination to uphold her family’s legacy of service and sacrifice.
(With inputs from agencies)
