MUFTIS
The Mufti and his daughter Mehbooba are emerging as the alternate 'dynasty' in J&K.
The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has been one of Indian politics' most maverick personalities. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed began his career under Sheikh Abdullah, but soon became a detractor of the Abdullah family.
Over the years, he kept changing parties and allegiances as his career moved from political limelight to oblivion and back. He earned the epithet of "giant-killer" for defeating big names time and again, a feat he repeated when, despite all odds, he replaced Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister in 2002.
Daughter Mehbooba, the only one of his three daughters still in India, has also been active for some years. She has earned her own position in Kashmiri politics by interacting extensively with common Kashmiris, particularly those affected by the violence. Now the chief of his People's Democratic Party, she is supposed to be the brain, and the heart, behind its "healing touch" approach to governance.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
Entry into politics: 1950
Top Post: Union Cabinet Minister; Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir
Best known for: Releasing terrorists in exchange for his kidnapped daughter
Party: National Conference, Congress, Janata Dal, People's Democratic Party
Constituency: Bijbehara assembly constituency (J&K), Ganderbal assembly constituency (J&K), Muzarrafnagar parliamentary constituency (UP), Anantnag parliamentary constituency (J&K)
In this election: Campaigning
Mehbooba Mufti (daughter)
Entry into politics: 1996
Top Post: Member of Parliament
Best known for: Promoting "people-friendly" policies in J&K
Party: People's Democratic Party
Constituency: Bijbehara assembly constituency (J&K), Anantnag parliamentary constituency (J&K)
In this election: Contestant