New Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) celebrated a significant milestone as Mehraj Malik clinched the Doda assembly seat in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the party’s inaugural victory in the region. In a heartfelt gesture, AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his congratulations to Malik through a video call, highlighting the party’s growing influence.
Despite facing setbacks in Haryana, where the Election Commission’s figures suggested AAP might not secure any seats, the party found a beacon of hope in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik triumphed over his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rival, Gajay Singh Rana, by a margin of 4,538 votes, garnering 23,228 votes compared to Rana’s 18,690. This victory not only underscores AAP’s expanding political footprint but also energizes its supporters in the union territory.
During the video call, Kejriwal lauded Malik for his “good work” and expressed delight over AAP’s representation in Jammu and Kashmir. “The workers are very happy that now we have an AAP MLA in Jammu and Kashmir,” Kejriwal stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to addressing regional issues and fostering development.
Mehraj Malik reciprocated the praise, inviting Kejriwal to visit Kashmir on October 10 at 2 p.m., to engage with the public and further strengthen AAP’s grassroots connections. “On the 10th at 2 pm, we will wait for you. The public here will wait for you,” Malik conveyed, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the party leadership and its elected representatives.
Kejriwal accepted the invitation enthusiastically, promising to honor the commitment. “I will come. I will come for sure on the 10th,” he affirmed, signaling a proactive approach to governance and party solidarity.
Malik’s victory is particularly noteworthy given his recent political endeavors. Having contested unsuccessfully in the Lok Sabha elections from the Udhampur constituency earlier this year, his triumph in Doda represents a significant comeback and a testament to his resilience and dedication.
The election results in Jammu and Kashmir, the first assembly elections since 2014, indicate that the alliance of the National Conference (NC) and Congress is poised to form the government. However, AAP’s breakthrough in Doda adds a new dimension to the region’s political landscape, potentially paving the way for future successes.
As AAP continues to navigate the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s political arena, Mehraj Malik’s victory stands as a beacon of the party’s potential to effect meaningful change and garner widespread support.
