Daisy Raina, a former Sarpanch, is one of the 10 candidates running for the Rajpora Constituency in Pulwama during the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community, Raina’s family migrated from Kashmir in January 1990 after the eruption of the violence.
Raina returned to Kashmir and served as the Sarpanch of Trichal village in Pulwama. Encouraged by local community members, she is contesting the assembly elections from Rajpora on the Republican Party of India (Athawale) ticket.
Raina has been campaigning across various villages in the Rajpora Constituency, focusing on youth and women empowerment, rural development, and tackling unemployment.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir Correspondent, Javid Sofi, Raina said that there is a possibility that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir may be restored by the month of October.
Q RK: How did you join politics?
Raina: I am a well-wisher of Kashmir. I have a deep connection to my birthplace and felt compelled to return. I had been working as a Sarpanch in Trichal village, and the local people encouraged me to represent them in the assembly.
I decided to contest the elections because people believe I can effectively raise their concerns in a better way than other well established politicians.
Q RK: What is the Republican Party of India’s stand on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir?
Raina: Our primary focus is on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Republican Party of India President, Ramdas Athawale, visited the region a month ago regarding this issue, and he supports restoring statehood. It’s possible that Jammu and Kashmir may regain statehood by October.
Q RK: What is your vision and what are your priorities for the Rajpora Constituency?
Raina: I have been working here for the past five years and noticed certain deficiencies at the grassroots level. While there is progress towards a smart city and the vision of “Naya Kashmir,” much of the development is concentrated in Srinagar and larger towns. Villages need more attention, particularly in enhancing basic facilities for the residents.
Our manifesto focuses on employment generation, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, free 300 units of electricity per month, and access to potable water, among other things.
Q RK: Where does your party stand in the contest for the Rajpora Constituency?
Raina: I have the support of the local community, and I am contesting on their behalf. Additionally, my campaign has received backing from Kashmiri Pandits across different regions of the country.
Q RK: What challenges do you face?
Raina: I face many challenges, but I prefer not to dwell on them. I handle most of these challenges on my own.
Q RK: Tell us about your life in Kashmir.
Raina: I was born in Srinagar but lived with my maternal uncle in Akura village, in the Mattan area of Anantnag. I completed my schooling in Akura and furthered my education at Anantnag College. I was married in Trichal village of Pulwama. However, we had to leave Kashmir in January 1990 when the situation deteriorated.
Q RK: Can you recall the circumstances under which you had to leave Kashmir?
Raina: We were unable to fully comprehend what was happening at the time. Our neighbours passed on a message to us to save ourselves, as they expressed their helplessness. In my village, my brother was tortured on suspicion of being an informer, which scared others into leaving the village.
Q RK: What is your stance on the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits?
Raina: We have always advocated for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their birthplace, and they will return with dignity. It is not easy for anyone to stay away from a place that is so close to their heart.
