Iltija Mufti, known for her significant role in managing Mehbooba Mufti's social media presence, has taken a stride into the realm of politics. On Wednesday, she was announced as the media advisor to her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, who serves as the president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The decision, made by the party's high command, marks Iltija's formal foray into the political arena.
Having been responsible for handling Mehbooba Mufti's social media accounts since 2019, Iltija Mufti's influence has grown during a period of significant political turmoil. In the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, she became an outspoken critic of the government's actions, PTI reported.
Expressing her sentiments on the appointment, Iltija Mufti stated, "It is an honor for me to help in whatever way possible at a time when the people of J&K find themselves thrown in utter chaos, despair, and darkness. I hope I can make a difference."
This decision comes after Iltija Mufti had initially expressed reservations about stepping into the political realm amidst the prevailing circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir. In September of the previous year, she had emphasized her reluctance to engage in politics given the apprehensive atmosphere. However, she had not categorically ruled out the possibility, indicating a degree of uncertainty about her future path.
Reflecting on her background, Iltija Mufti mentioned that her proximity to politics had been deeply ingrained due to her lineage. As the granddaughter of the late PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, she acknowledged her unique vantage point in understanding politics but affirmed her lack of personal attraction to it.
She attributed her entry into political discourse to a perceived vacuum in the public discourse after her mother's detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. She stated, "I came forward and started talking because of a vacuum, otherwise I would not have as I have no attraction for both politics and camera."
