The Kashmir Pulse

BUDGAM — In a surprising turn of events, Sugra Barkati, daughter of independent candidate Sarjan Barkati, has emerged as a game-changer in the Beerwah Assembly segment elections.

Sugra, a dynamic and passionate campaigner, has been tirelessly rallying support for her father, snatching the night's sleep of mainstream politicians. Her relentless efforts have sent shockwaves through the political establishment, making her a household name in the constituency.

With her articulate speeches, Sugra has connected with voters, especially the youth and women. Her message of change, development, and accountability resonates deeply with the people.

Mainstream politicians, including those from the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Awami Ittehad Party, are taking notice of Sugra's impact. Her campaign has forced them to re-strategize and intensify their efforts.

"Sugra Barkati has brought a fresh energy to the campaign," said a local resident. "Her dedication and passion are inspiring, and she's making a real difference."

As the election draws near, Sugra's influence will likely play a significant role in determining the outcome. Will her efforts propel her father to victory, or will the mainstream parties regain ground? The people of Beerwah will decide.

In the meantime, Sugra Barkati remains a force to be reckoned with, shaking up the political landscape and redefining the dynamics of the election.

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SRINAGAR — Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Barkati), said on Sunday that she is being subjected to “psychological tactics” by her opponents, especially the National Conference (NC).

Addressing a press conference, Sugra, who emphasized that she is not a politician and only wants her parents released from jail, explained that she has been forced into the public eye “due to compulsion,” with the unusual circumstances placing a heavy burden on her shoulders.

“I have been subjected to psychological tactics, with Omar Abdullah leading the charge when he mentioned my father, saying that people in jail are filing papers against him. Filing the papers was my decision,” she said.

“During the Lok Sabha elections, Omar told Engineer Rashid’s son that if he had known they were running, he wouldn’t have filed his papers,” Sugra explained and added that Omar’s statement was the reason she decided to file papers on behalf of her father, hoping that, if he won, her father might be released from jail.

“One of the NC spokespersons, Ifra Jan, openly called my father a thief; it was like a stab to my chest,” she said. “We are helpless, and we leave it in the hands of people and the Almighty.”

Regarding AIP’s chief, Engineer Sheikh Rashid, Sugra said she had expected AIP to voluntarily give the mandate to her father in Langate. “We were in contact with them since my father’s papers were rejected in Zainapora. We wanted Engineer Rashid to support us because we hardly know anyone from Beerwah and Ganderbal. We thought Langate would make a difference.”

She added that she had been in touch with Engineer Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Khurseed, as well as Inam-un-Nabi, AIP’s spokesperson. “We were assured the matter would be considered, but we never received a response.”

She concluded by questioning, “If it was ‘jail ka badla vote se’ during the Lok Sabha elections, which Engineer Rashid won, then why not now?”

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SRINAGAR — The candidature of at least 36 candidates including the prominent religious cleric, Sarjan Barkati, who had filed their nomination papers to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase, has been rejected.

An official quoted by the news agency KNO said that 279 candidates had filed nomination papers in J&K for the first phase of elections, of which 244 have been accepted while 36 have been rejected.

He said that the nomination form of Sarjan Ahmad Barkati, who is in jail in a 'terror' funding case, has also been rejected.

Besides that, the nomination papers of Dr Bari Naik, who had filed nomination papers for the Devsar Assembly segment have also been rejected.

Social activist Aadil Nazir, who was accompanying Sugra Barkati daughter of Sarjan Barkati to file nomination papers on Tuesday, said that they would challenge the decision of rejecting the candidature in the court.

Soon after the news spread, people from different walks of life visited the residence of Sarjan Barkati in Reban Shopian to express sympathy.

PDP candidate for Zainapora constituency, Ghulam Mohiudin Wani and former MLA Aijaz Mir also visited his residence.

Gh Mohiudin Wani on the occasion said that in 1987, the same thing was done by NC that gave rise to militancy and militants like Salahuddin were born. He said that in a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections and vote, adding that the nomination papers of Barkati shouldn't have been rejected.

Former MLA Aijaz Mir, who is fighting elections as an independent candidate, claimed that he had thought he would extend his support to Sarjan Barkati, adding that he would raise his voice in his favour if voted to power.

Former Chief Minister and JKPDP president, Mehbooba Mufti asked the Election Commission of India to make the reasons public for this decision.

"Sorry to hear about the rejection of the Assembly nomination form of Sarjan Barkati from Zainpora. The Election Commissioner must make the reasons public for this decision. Democracy is a battle of ideas, and everyone should be given a chance to participate in it," Mehbooba said in a post on X.

Pertinently, the first phase of the Assembly election will be held on September 18 for 24 seats including 16 in South Kashmir and eight in the Jammu region.

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