ABDULLAHS

The Abdullah family has dominated Kashmiri state politics like no other.

Abdullahs have dominated Kashmiri politics like no other family. "Sher-e-Kashmir" Sheikh Abdullah, to whom Kashmir owes its accession to India, remains the state's most respected political figure more than 20 years after his death -- and in spite of the "betrayals" committed by his son Farooq (who is perhaps the least respected).

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Farooq, a political novice, took over the mantle and became the chief minister in his father's place in 1982. But the move did not make every one happy, definitely not the Sheikh's son-in-law, who was until then his heir apparent. As a politician, Farooq had charm, but he was never able to generate the same reverence as his father did.

Now his son, Omar, has taken over his party's reins and hopes to become the chief minister some day.

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
Entry into politics: Pre-independence
Top post: Prime Minister (Chief Minister) of Jammu and Kashmir
Best known for: Supporting Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India
Party: National Conference

Farooq Abdullah (son)
Entry into politics: 1981
Top post: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
Best known for: Succeeding Sheikh Abdullah
Party: National Conference
In this election: Campaigning for National Conference