Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti is likely to become the first woman chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The 56-year-old has emerged as the unanimous choice for the post following the death of her father and incumbent Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Thursday. Mehbooba Mufti has never lost an election from South Kashmir so far.
"As far as PDP is concerned, we are unanimous that Mehbooba shall succeed Mufti saheb," said senior party leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig. However, PTI reported that Mehbooba Mufti's ascent to the post would require the approval of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the PDP's coalition partner in the state government. In the 87-member state assembly, the PDP has 28 seats, while the BJP has 25.
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