A New Chapter Begins in the Valley’s Political Narrative
Srinagar 29 May 2025: The political winds in Jammu & Kashmir are once again stirring, but this time, the familiar surname Abdullah carries new voices. Zamir and Zahir Abdullah, the sons of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and grandsons of Farooq Abdullah, are quietly but confidently entering the political domain.
Their emergence signals the fourth generation of leadership within the National Conference (NC)—a party founded by the iconic Sheikh Abdullah, also known as the Lion of Kashmir. As political internship programs commence in Pahalgam, their presence has sparked renewed discussions around dynastic politics, leadership succession, and the future of governance in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Abdullah Family: A Political Timeline of Four Generations
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (1947–1982): The Architect of Kashmiri Autonomy
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Founder of the National Conference.
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Led Kashmir through its critical years post-1947 accession to India.
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Advocated for Article 370, aiming for special status and regional autonomy.
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Farooq Abdullah (1982–Present): The Bridge Between Generations
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Took over NC leadership after Sheikh’s death.
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Served multiple terms as J&K’s Chief Minister.
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Played a central role in national politics, serving as a Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP.
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Omar Abdullah (2002–Present): The Reformer Amidst Turbulence
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Became India’s youngest foreign minister in 2001.
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Served as J&K’s Chief Minister (2009–2015), focused on youth employment, urban development, and security stabilization.
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Post-2019 abrogation of Article 370, he remains a key voice for regional rights.
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Zamir & Zahir Abdullah (2024–?): The Future Faces
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Recently visible at NC events, social media forums, and election campaigns.
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Their appearance marks NC’s preparation for future leadership amidst new-age political challenges and a shifting electoral base.
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Zamir & Zahir Abdullah: How Are They Entering Politics?
1. Visible Participation in Campaigns
Both brothers accompanied Omar Abdullah during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaigns across key constituencies like Srinagar and Baramulla. Their increased presence in Assembly poll campaigns, notably in Ganderbal, has drawn significant attention.
🗣 “We stand to protect Kashmiri jobs, resources, and rights—this is not just about family legacy, but about future generations,” — Zamir Abdullah in Ganderbal.
2. Public Addresses & Mass Outreach
Their first public address focused on employment, land rights, and regional autonomy—issues deeply tied to Kashmir’s post-Article 370 discourse.
Their speeches echo the populist tone of their grandfather, mixed with the digital fluency of a modern generation.
3. Social Media & Youth Engagement
Both Zamir and Zahir have carved an identity on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where they:
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Engage with political issues.
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Counter BJP and PDP narratives.
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Promote NC youth programs.
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Political Internship Classes in Pahalgam: Grooming a New Generation
In what is being described as a structured political education program, the NC’s Political Internship initiative was launched in Pahalgam—an NC stronghold and symbolic location of party rejuvenation.
Goals of the Internship:
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Train youth in policy-making, governance, and grassroots mobilization.
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Foster a political ecosystem that includes merit-based entrants alongside dynastic successors.
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Provide a platform to connect historical ideology with modern governance frameworks.
Zamir and Zahir were present during several sessions, further fueling speculations about their official role in NC’s long-term leadership plan.
Dynastic Politics in Kashmir: A Double-Edged Sword
Legacy vs Meritocracy
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Supporters argue that the Abdullah family’s deep connection to Kashmir’s political, emotional, and historical psyche gives them a natural leadership advantage.
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Critics, however, view this as a barrier to new voices, claiming it perpetuates an elitist political class.
“We don’t reject the legacy, but we demand opportunities. Politics should serve the people, not preserve power for families.” — Shabir Lone, student leader from South Kashmir.
Comparative Dynasties: A Trend Across J&K Politics
The Mufti Family (PDP)
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Mehbooba Mufti served as the first woman Chief Minister.
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Her daughter Iltija Mufti is now visibly active, managing her mother’s social media and frequently appearing in interviews.
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The Mirwaiz Lineage
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The Mirwaiz family, spiritual leaders of Kashmir’s Muslims, continue to influence both religious sentiment and socio-political thought.
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Their role often bridges public opinion between militancy, mainstream politics, and spiritual reform.
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Opposition’s Take on the Abdullah Scions
BJP’s Criticism:
The BJP, which has positioned itself as an anti-dynasty party, has repeatedly criticized NC and PDP for becoming “private limited companies”.
🗣 “Kashmir needs democracy, not dynasty. These families have made politics hereditary,” — BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina.
PDP’s Response:
While sharing dynastic roots, PDP often frames itself as a victim of NC’s historical dominance and urges for fresh, youth-led leadership.
Public Sentiment: Mixed Reactions on Dynastic Continuity
Street interviews and online trends suggest a divided public:
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Urban youth often lean toward issue-based politics (jobs, education, security).
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Rural voters sometimes trust familiar names, associating them with past governance stability.
“We don’t care about names—we want peace, power, and jobs,” says Shazia, a voter from Anantnag.
Implications for Jammu & Kashmir’s Electoral Future
1. Revival of National Conference
The active involvement of young Abdullahs could reinvigorate NC’s youth base, countering the BJP’s expanding outreach and PDP’s regional loyalties.
2. Youth-Centric Campaigning
With social media advocacy and campus engagement, Zamir and Zahir are better positioned to speak the language of Gen-Z voters.
3. Risk of Legacy Overreach
However, if the NC fails to balance dynastic influence with democratic outreach, it risks being seen as elitist and exclusionary.
What Lies Ahead: Questions the Abdullahs Must Answer
Will They Formally Join the National Conference?
As of now, no official induction has been declared. However, their growing visibility suggests a formal role may be imminent.
Can They Develop Independent Political Identities?
Zamir appears more policy-driven, while Zahir is viewed as the orator. Their diversified skillsets could help NC rebrand itself for the modern electorate—if they step out of their father’s shadow.
Will They Be Accepted Beyond the NC Loyalists?
To succeed, they’ll need to resonate with fence-sitters, undecided youth, and non-traditional voters disillusioned with mainstream parties.
Bottom-Line: The Lion Cubs of Kashmir Politics Roar Softly—For Now
The entrance of Zamir and Zahir Abdullah into the political fray marks more than just a familial transition—it reflects a generational shift within the political consciousness of Kashmir. Whether viewed as hopeful heirs or dynastic successors, their actions in the coming months will be under intense scrutiny.
With internship programs, election campaigns, and a rapidly evolving political climate, their success will depend on how they translate legacy into leadership, privilege into purpose, and history into hope.
As Kashmir stands at another political crossroads, the future may once again echo with an old name—but with new voices leading the charge.
