Rafiabad Constituency Profile: A Battle Royale Between Yawar Mir, Javaid Dar, and Gani Vakil
Baramulla, Aug 29, KNT: The Rafiabad Assembly Constituency in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a bastion of the Mir family for decades, is witnessing a fierce electoral battle between three prominent candidates: Yawar Mir of the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party, Javaid Dar of the National Conference, and Abdul Gani Vakil of the Peoples Conference. As the J&K gears up for the upcoming elections, the constituency is abuzz with political activity.
Yawar Mir, the son of five-time MLA Muhammad Dilawar Mir, is considered a strong contender. His youth leadership and connection with the masses have earned him a significant following. Mir’s family legacy and his own political acumen make him a formidable candidate.
Join our WhatsApp Group
However, Javaid Dar, the National Conference candidate, is no stranger to upsets. In 2008, he defeated political stalwart Dilawar Mir by a thin margin, showcasing his electoral prowess. Dar’s popularity and the National Conference’s surge in popularity since the abrogation of Article 370 may pose a significant challenge to Mir.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
Join our Telegram Channel
Abdul Gani Vakil of the Peoples Conference, the former Congress entity in Rafiabad, is still in the fray. Despite never having won from this constituency, Vakil’s party has a dedicated voter base, which may influence the outcome.
The Delimitation Commission’s recent changes to the constituency have added a new layer of complexity. The inclusion of Zainageer Sopore area, comprising mostly fruit growers who support the Mir family, may benefit Yawar Mir. Conversely, the exclusion of some parts of Rafiabad to the Baramulla Assembly segment could hurt his prospects.
Voters in the constituency are divided, with some supporting party lines and others backing individual candidates. “If people vote on party lines, Javaid Dar may have an edge,” said a local resident to the news agency Kashmir News Trust adding that if they (voters) choose the candidate over the party, Yawar Mir is likely to win. [KNT]
