Daisy Raina is making history by being the first Kashmiri Pandit (KP) woman to contest in Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections in over three decades. She is standing for the Rajpora assembly seat in Pulwama district for the Republican Party of India (Athawale), a significant move in the political landscape of the region, especially after many political changes and challenges.

Why Did Daisy Raina Decide to Enter Politics?

Raina’s decision to enter politics is particularly important because it is the first time a Kashmiri Pandit woman is running for a legislative role since her community’s genocide and upheaval from the valley in the 1990s. Many Kashmiri Pandits had to leave and escape during that time due to uncontrolled rising militancy in the valley.

Raina, who had to leave Kashmir during those devastating years, is now representing the Republican Party of India (Athawale), which is an ally of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Her campaign for the Rajpora seat in the Pulwama district—a region once famous for terror and violence and known for Hizbul Mujahideen activity—shows her commitment to her homeland.

Hizbul Mujahideen, or Hizb-Ul-Mujahideen, is an Islamist group currently led by Syed Salahuddin, who also heads the United Jihad Council, a Pakistan-based jihadist militant group organization, sponsored by the ISI. These groups operate to merge Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan.

Youth Encouraged Daisy Raina

She entered politics because the youth in her area encouraged her to take the plunge. She emphasized that many young people, particularly those born during the 1990s conflicts, asked her to be their representative. The generation born during the 1990s is now grown up, who has lived through turmoil, is looking for a leader who understands their struggles.

Raina, who served as sarpanch since 2020, has had firsthand experience engaging with young people and addressing their concerns.

What Prompted Raina’s Unexpected Political Move?

When Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale visited Jammu and Kashmir, Raina had no initial plan to run for office. Her decision to enter politics was primarily influenced by the youth’s desire for change rather than personal political ambition.

Few reports say that some locals in light humor suggested that she should become the Chief Minister for a day to address Pulwama’s issues similar to those portrayed in the Anil Kapoor featured film ‘Nayak: The Real Hero’.

How Has Raina Dealt with the Challenges of Pulwama?

Pulwama, a district often associated with terror, violence, and conflicts, became widely recognized due to the devastating 2019 attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members.

Despite this, Raina does not view Pulwama in a solely negative light. She acknowledged the region’s problems but emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve the situation. Raina’s work in Pulwama has been marked by a supportive local community, which includes both Hindu and Muslim residents, despite the area’s turbulent history.

How Did Daisy Raina Build Strong Community Bonds?

During her time in Pulwama, Raina has managed to build strong relationships with the local people, including the Muslim community. Her efforts to bridge divides are evident in projects like constructing a Wazukhana for Muslims and a Shivling for Hindus.

What is Daisy Raina’s Background?

Before her return to Kashmir, Raina worked for a private company in New Delhi. In 2020, she was elected as a sarpanch of Frisal Village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama. Her commitment and leadership have earned her respect across various groups in the region.

Now, as she prepares for the assembly elections, her candidacy is an important step forward for Kashmiri Pandits and women in the area.

When Are the Upcoming Elections?

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are set to be held in three phases from September 18, 2024, to October 1, 2024, with the results scheduled for October 8. This election is the first in nearly a decade, coming after the removal of Article 370 in 2019, which had garnered special status for the region. Raina’s candidacy is seen as a symbol of hope and change during this historic period.