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The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir have brought forth a poignant story of resilience and determination. Shagun Parihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) nominee from the Kishtwar assembly constituency, is not only the party's sole female candidate in its initial list of 15 but also carries the weight of a deeply personal tragedy. In 2018, Parihar tragically lost both her father, Ajit Parihar, and her uncle, Anil Parihar, to a terrorist attack. Anil Parihar, a prominent figure in the district, held the position of district general secretary for the BJP.
Despite the profound loss, Parihar has chosen to step into the political arena, driven by a desire to empower women and ensure the safety of her constituents. She stated that she never anticipated a career in politics but feels compelled to make a difference. “I have never thought that I will join politics. Let’s see how things change my fate. The party has announced my candidature, it is a very emotional moment for us,” Parihar shared with the press. She added, “I will fight this election on the issues of empowerment of women of the state and for their jobs. I am confident that I will be able to stand the test of the party.”
Prior to this momentous decision, Parihar was pursuing a PhD in Electronics and had no immediate plans to enter politics. However, her family's political background and her involvement in grassroots politics since her student days have shaped her worldview. While she was not actively involved in politics, her uncle Ajit Parihar's standing as a senior BJP leader in the district instilled in her a sense of political awareness. The 2018 terrorist attack, which took the lives of her father and uncle, marked a turning point for Parihar.
During a press conference, Parihar broke down as she recounted the harrowing event, stating that security will be a top priority if she is elected. “I do not want anyone else to face what I underwent when I lost my father and uncle,” she said. In addition to security, she vowed to focus on women empowerment and job creation for both women and the people of Kishtwar. Shagun Parihar's candidacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity. She stands as a symbol of hope and determination, ready to champion the cause of women and work towards a safer and more prosperous future for her community.