Celebrating Mehbooba Mufti: A Look at the Life of Jammu and Kashmir's First Female Chief Minister

Today marks the 67th birthday of Mehbooba Mufti, the first female Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Known for her significant political influence, she has had a remarkable journey from her early life in a prominent political family to leading the People's Democratic Party. This article delves into her political career, including her tenure as Chief Minister and her personal life, providing insights into the experiences that shaped her leadership. Discover more about this influential figure in Indian politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 12:21 IST

A Milestone Birthday

Mehbooba Mufti, the first female Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is celebrating her 67th birthday today, May 22. Renowned as one of the most influential politicians in the region, she served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2018 after forming an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on May 22, 1959, in Anantnag district, Mehbooba hails from a prominent political family. Her father, Mohammad Mufti Syed, served as the Union Home Minister, while her mother is Gulshan Nazir. A notable incident in her life occurred in 1989 when a plane was hijacked by terrorists, demanding the release of a notorious militant. Among the passengers was Mehbooba's sister, Rubaiya.

Political Journey

Mehbooba began her political career with the Congress party, winning a seat in the Bijbehara Assembly in 1996. In 1999, she contested for a parliamentary seat from Srinagar but lost to Omar Abdullah. Following disputes with Congress, she distanced herself from the party and founded the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

In 2002, she won a Rajya Sabha seat from Pahalgam and later secured victories in the Anantnag constituency during the 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Her tenure as Chief Minister began in 2016 when the PDP formed a coalition with the BJP, but this alliance collapsed in 2018, leading to the fall of her government.

Personal Life

After her father's passing, Mehbooba took over the leadership of the PDP, marking her active entry into politics. She is divorced and has two daughters, Irtiza and Ilteja.