Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla: Javid Ahmad Dar, a seasoned politician from Jammu and Kashmir’s Rafiabad constituency, has been sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in the newly formed government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A key leader of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Dar’s political ascent reflects both his own perseverance and a rich political inheritance.
Born to the late Mohammad Yusuf Dar, a staunch Congress candidate widely known as Yusuf Ladoora, Javid Ahmad Dar was surrounded by politics from an early age. His father’s active role in the Congress Party and local politics made it almost inevitable that Javid would one day follow in his footsteps. A highly educated individual, Dar holds an MBA from Pune University, which he completed before embarking on his political career.
Political Career
Javid Ahmad Dar began his political journey in 2002 with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. His entry into politics marked a new chapter for Rafiabad, as he quickly became a key figure in the constituency.
However, after six years with the PDP, Dar decided to switch political allegiances. In 2008, he joined the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) in a significant move that was sealed in the presence of party patriarch Dr. Farooq Abdullah.The timing of his shift was crucial. It coincided with the assembly elections, where Dar surprised many by securing a decisive victory over his former party leader, Dilawar Mir, in Rafiabad.
This victory was not just political but personal, marking the start of a new era for Dar in the political landscape of the region.Following his victory in 2008, Dar was appointed to key ministerial portfolios in the Jammu & Kashmir government. His roles included Minister of Roads and Buildings, Horticulture, Health, and Education. His work, particularly in the Roads and Buildings department, was well-received, and he quickly gained a reputation for his dedication to improving infrastructure in the region.
Setback in 2014 Elections
Despite his early successes, Dar faced a significant setback in 2014. In that year’s assembly elections, a strong wave of support for the PDP saw him lose his seat to Yawar Dilawar Mir, the son of the influential PDP leader Dilawar Mir. Yawar Mir, contesting his first election, managed to secure a win while his father was embroiled in a corruption scandal. Dilawar Mir had been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in the wrongful release of ₹30 lakh in a urea contract fraud case with National Fertilizers Limited. Despite this, the PDP wave carried Yawar Mir to victory, and Dar was left to regroup and reflect on his political strategy. Comeback in 2023After a 10-year hiatus, during which assembly elections were not held in Jammu and Kashmir, Dar made a triumphant return to politics in the latest elections. Running once again from Rafiabad on a JKNC ticket, he secured a resounding victory, defeating his former rival Yawar Mir by a margin of 9,202 votes. This victory marked Dar’s political resurgence and positioned him as a key leader in the region.
Cabinet Appointment
Javid Ahmad Dar’s recent appointment as Cabinet Minister in the newly formed Jammu & Kashmir UT government has reignited hopes for development in North Kashmir. As a representative of the people of Rafiabad, Dar’s return to power comes with heightened expectations for progress, prosperity, and peace in the region. His experience in various ministries and his strong connection to the people of his constituency have made him a key figure in the government.
The people of North Kashmir, especially Rafiabad, now look to Dar with high hopes. His track record of public service, coupled with his education and political acumen, place him in a strong position to deliver on the promises of development. Whether he can rise to meet these expectations remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Javid Ahmad Dar’s role in the government will be closely watched as he embarks on this new chapter of his political career.The journey ahead for Dar is filled with both opportunities and challenges, but his constituents remain optimistic that he will lead the region toward a brighter future.