In a historic development for Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, BJP leader Devyani Rana on Friday clinched a decisive victory in the Nagrota assembly bypoll, pushing the number of elected women legislators in the Union Territory to four for the first time ever.
This marks a significant milestone in a region where female representation in the legislative assembly has traditionally remained low. Until now, the highest number of women MLAs elected in any term was three — recorded in the 2008, 2014, and 2024 assemblies.
With the House strength at 87 seats in the 2008 and 2014 polls, women held 3.4% representation. After the 2022 delimitation exercise, which increased elected seats to 90, the share dipped slightly to 3.33%.
Devyani Rana’s win has now pushed this figure to 4.44%, marking a symbolic breakthrough for gender inclusion in J&K politics.
Four Women MLAs in Current Assembly
Alongside Devyani Rana, the other three women legislators currently serving in the J&K Assembly are:
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Sakina Masood Ittoo (NC) – Cabinet Minister in the Omar Abdullah-led government, representing D H Pora in Kulgam district.
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Shamima Firdous (NC) – A seasoned leader and three-time MLA from Habbakadal, Srinagar.
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Shagun Parihar (BJP) – First-time MLA representing the Kishtwar assembly segment.
Significance for Women’s Political Participation
Political observers say Devyani’s victory could energize women’s political participation in the UT, where female voter turnout has been rising steadily but representation has remained stagnant.
Her win from Nagrota—traditionally a competitive seat—is seen as not just a boost for the BJP but also an important moment for gender diversity in the J&K Assembly.
