Culture24 Jun 2024
An oath in Kashmiri
Took the oath of office in Kashmiri, carrying the language of the Valley into the Lok Sabha.
The Work
Twenty years. One voice. For the people.
From the villages of Budgam to the national stage, two decades of carrying Kashmir’s questions to the places where answers are owed.
0+ yrs
In public life, serving Kashmir since 2002
0
People of Srinagar who made him their voice in 2024
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Debates where he raised Kashmir’s voice nationally
0 terms
Elected four times: MLA for Budgam 2002, 2008, 2014; MP for Srinagar 2024
Sources: Election Commission results; PRS Legislative Research, November 2026.
What drives the work
We believe the promises made to Kashmir must be kept. That no one should be a suspect in their own land. That dissent is the heartbeat of democracy, that power belongs close to the people, and that every minority, in India and beyond, deserves equal citizenship. And that politics must answer to conscience, not to power.
In Parliament
Raising Kashmir’s voice
Constitution26 Jun 2024
First speech: the Constitution above party
Raised Article 370 and the branding of Muslim members, and reminded the Chair that its duty is to the Constitution, not to any party.
Rights3 Feb 2025
Restore what was promised
In the debate on the President’s Address, called for the restoration of statehood and of Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-1953 constitutional position.
Minorities30 Mar 2026
Naming institutionalised extremism
Asked the House when it would discuss the institutionalised extremism faced by Muslims and minorities across India.
On the ground
Standing with people
Aug 2024Due process
Justice for the detained
Pressed the Union Home Minister to release Kashmiris held for years without trial, and to move undertrials to jails in the Valley, near their families.
Read the reportDec 2024Youth
With students, for fairness
Joined students in Srinagar demanding a fair, rationalised reservation policy that respects merit and opportunity.
Apr 2025Religious freedom
Against structural marginalisation
Opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “structural marginalisation” that caused deep anguish among the people he represents.
Read the reportOct 2026Democracy
Bringing the country to Kashmir
Invited fellow MPs to Srinagar for a conference on constitutional rights, and called for a review of elections under the current Chief Election Commissioner.
Read the reportA record of service
Elected, re-elected, trusted
- 2002Elected MLA for Budgam
- 2008Re-elected for Budgam
- 2009 – 15Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology and Animal Husbandry; India’s youngest cabinet minister at the time
- 2014Third term as MLA for Budgam
- 2024Elected to the Lok Sabha from Srinagar by 1,88,416 votes
- 2026Steps down from the Lok Sabha on 3 November to take the cause to the people
Issues we carry
- Constitutional safeguards
- Political prisoners and due process
- Youth, jobs and merit
- Free and fair elections
- Religious freedom
- Kashmiri language and identity
- Minority rights across India