J&K: Safina Baig to join NC next week

Former Baramulla DDC chief’s imminent entry, backed by the local unit, aims to consolidate the ruling party’s hold over key Valley constituencies.

Former District Development Council (DDC) chairperson Safina Baig, wife of former deputy chief minister and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig, is set to join the National Conference in Srinagar next week, said people in know of the matter.

Former district development council chairperson Safina Baig during a meeting with National Conference leaders, in Baramulla. MLA Javeed Baig (extreme left) is also present. (HT Correspondent)

“All formalities between the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women’s wing president and the NC high command have been finalised,” said a senior NC leader privy to the developments, saying the Baramulla district unit has already given its nod.

Safina recently attended a meeting of the NC in Baramulla in which her relative and sitting MLA Javeed Baig was also present. “She will be joining the NC soon,” confirmed Safina’s close aide who did not want to be named.

Local leadership believes Safina’s entry will boost the party across north Kashmir where her family holds sway. Safina won the 2020 DDC elections as an independent candidate before securing the chairperson seat with backing from the People’s Conference and the Apni Party. While she and Muzaffar Baig were briefly associated with Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference—and even supported his Lok Sabha campaign—they later distanced themselves from the party.

While National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq did not respond to queries regarding her entry, sources indicate that three to four other top leaders from north Kashmir are also set to join the party over the next fortnight, though it remains unclear if Muzaffar Hussain Baig will follow his wife into the NC.