Politics in Kashmir has never been static. It has travelled through monarchy, mass movements, competing ideas of autonomy and integration, separatist politics, militancy, electoral revival and, after 2019, an entirely different constitutional framework. Yet beneath these dramatic transformations there has been one remarkable continuity: the persistence of political families.For generations, political influence in Kashmir has frequently travelled through surnames. The Abdullahs, Muftis, Mian Larvis, Lones and numerous other political families have occupied important positions across successive generations. The phenomenon is neither confined to one political party nor explained by one ideology. It has become part of the political sociology of Kashmir.

Dynastic politics should, however, be understood carefully. Democracy cannot disqualify a person merely because his or her father or grandfather was a politician. The child of a Chief Minister has the same democratic right to contest an election as the child of a farmer, shopkeeper or labourer. The real question is different: does the political system provide both of them a reasonably equal opportunity to rise?That is where Kashmir’s experience deserves examination.

THE ABDULLAHSThe most prominent example is unquestionably the Abdullah family.Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah emerged through mass politics and became one of the dominant personalities of twentieth-century Kashmir. His original political authority was not inherited; it arose from political mobilisation and the turbulent historical circumstances of his era.What subsequently developed, however, was remarkable continuity of family leadership.Sheikh Abdullah was followed politically by his son Farooq Abdullah, who repeatedly served as Chief Minister. The next generation produced Omar Abdullah, who also became Chief Minister and returned to that office after the 2024 Assembly election.Thus, three generations of one family have occupied the commanding heights of the same political tradition.The National Conference’s continuing electoral strength also cautions against simplistic assumptions that voters have rejected dynastic politics. Jammu and Kashmir’s present 90-member Assembly began its term in November 2024.Political inheritance can provide recognition, organisational continuity and historical identity. But it simultaneously creates an institutional question: how easily can an ordinary National Conference worker realistically aspire to become the supreme leader of the party?The question is not about the personal ability of any Abdullah. It concerns the structure through which political leadership reproduces itself.

THE MUFTISThe rise of the Peoples Democratic Party initially appeared to challenge National Conference dominance.Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was already an experienced national and regional politician when the PDP emerged as an important political force. The party subsequently passed into the leadership of his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, who eventually became Chief Minister.A third generation has now entered politics through Iltija Mufti.This is an interesting example of how political alternatives can themselves develop dynastic characteristics. A party created partly as an alternative to an established political order gradually acquired its own recognisable family succession.Yet political inheritance does not guarantee electoral success. Voters retain the final authority to accept or reject a candidate irrespective of surname.That principle is becoming increasingly important in Kashmir.

THE MIAN LARVI FAMILYPerhaps an even more remarkable example of generational continuity is provided by the family of Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi.Its significance is distinctive........

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