In a landmark victory, Mehraj Malik of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has become the party’s first-ever elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik won the Doda constituency with a margin of over 4,500 votes, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gajay Singh Rana. This victory not only marks AAP’s entry into the region’s legislative politics but also breaks the traditional stronghold of parties like the National Conference and BJP in the Doda area.
Malik’s success in Doda, a historically contested region, is significant for AAP, a party that has been expanding its footprint beyond Delhi in recent years. Before this victory, Malik had already made a name for himself in local politics by winning a seat in the District Development Council (DDC) elections in 2020 as an Independent candidate. His transition to AAP has proven fruitful, as he now holds the distinction of being the party’s first representative in Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly.
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convenor, congratulated Malik on this historic win, calling it a “brilliant victory” and a testament to the growing appeal of AAP in regions beyond its traditional strongholds. This victory comes as AAP continues its attempts to broaden its influence nationwide, particularly after a challenging election cycle in Haryana.
Malik’s win is expected to reshape political dynamics in the region, which has been a battleground for mainstream parties like the National Conference and the BJP. His election is also seen as a reflection of growing support for alternative political voices in Jammu and Kashmir, where AAP has managed to appeal to voters seeking change.
This victory also holds broader implications for AAP, as it establishes the party’s presence in five states, further strengthening its national ambitions. With Malik’s win, the party now looks to make deeper inroads into Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an Indian journalist and online editor at The Chenab Times. Based in Thathri, Doda, he reports on regional affairs, civic governance, and human-interest stories across Jammu and Kashmir. Rihat also maintains a personal website, tahirrihat.com, where he shares professional updates and reflections on journalism in the Chenab Valley.
