Srinagar, Sep 06 (KNO): For the first time since the onset of militancy, a Kashmiri Pandit woman is running for office in Kashmir. Daisy Raina, a former Sarpanch of Trichal village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, is one of nine women candidates competing in the first phase of the assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled for September 18.
Raina is representing the Republican Party of India, a party allied with the NDA.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Raina said she decided to enter politics after the encouragement of local residents, particularly the youth, who were “impressed” by her work as a sarpanch over the past five years.
Daisy said the political and social environment in J&K has changed a lot since the 1990s. “Despite facing numerous challenges, I continued my work with strong support from the community,” she said. “My candidacy is made possible by the support of local people with whom I have close relationships and am deeply involved in their lives.”
Raina said her main focus areas, if elected, would be addressing unemployment, improving access to potable water and reducing electricity bills. She expressed concern over the struggles faced by youth born after the 1980s, saying they have grown up amid conflict and hardship, including disruptions like hartals and limited 2G network access.
“These individuals, who have persevered through these challenges, deserve employment opportunities and a dignified life,” she said.
The former Sarpanch also highlighted the impact of unemployment on mental health, saying the Hindu community, along with others, has experienced restrictions that confine their movement and limit their quality of life. “There is a need for increased efforts to foster integration and mutual welfare among different communities,” she said.
Choosing the Republican Party of India, which is associated with Dr B R Ambedkar, Raina expressed confidence that she could continue her positive work with the party's support.
She also criticised the current administrative practices, saying that qualified youth are often sidelined while officers are assigned multiple positions simultaneously.
In her message, Daisy Raina said that Hindu-Muslim unity is stronger on the ground. She lamented that due to unknown reasons, some people are showing that all isn't well in Kashmir.
“I encourage everyone to cast their votes in the upcoming elections to showcase the strong Hindu-Muslim unity that still exists,” she said—(KNO)