Abdul Rahim Rather, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape and a seasoned leader from the National Conference (NC), elected as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. With this election, Rather has become the first Speaker of the Union Territory’s legislative body. His extensive political career, which spans over six decades, highlights his enduring influence and commitment to his constituency, Chrar-e-Sharief, which he has represented for six terms since 1977.

The assembly session where Rather assumed the Speaker’s role marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time the assembly convened in over six years, the last session being held in early 2018, prior to Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization in 2019.

Academic Background and Early Life

Born in 1944 in Badipora, a village in Chadoora, Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, Abdul Rahim Rather has roots in a modest family background. His father, Ghulam Qadir Rather, was a farmer, and Rather grew up understanding the challenges faced by rural communities. He pursued higher education diligently, obtaining a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Kashmir in 1968. Subsequently, Rather furthered his academic journey at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Diploma in Public Administration in 1971.

Rather’s educational achievements laid a strong foundation for his career, enabling him to navigate the complexities of public administration and law, essential skills that have contributed to his success in the political sphere.

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Political Journey: Representing Chrar-e-Sharief

Abdul Rahim Rather began his political journey in 1977 when he was first elected as the MLA for the Chrar-e-Sharief constituency. Since then, he has represented the region for six consecutive terms: 1977, 1983, 1987, 1996, 2002, and 2008. Known for his dedication to his constituents, Rather’s commitment to his constituency and his political acumen have solidified his reputation as a prominent voice for Central Kashmir.

In the 2014 state assembly elections, Rather faced a setback when he was defeated by Ghulam Nabi Lone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this loss, Rather made a comeback in 2024, securing his position for a remarkable seventh term, underscoring his resilience and influence within the region.

Past Roles: Finance Minister and Leader of the Opposition

Rather’s political experience is marked by a range of key positions within Jammu and Kashmir’s government. He previously held the role of Finance Minister, where he played a pivotal role in the region’s financial planning and economic strategy, particularly during challenging times. Additionally, from 2002 to 2008, Rather served as the Leader of the Opposition during the PDP-Congress coalition government. In this role, he was known for his principled stance and efforts to ensure that the opposition’s voice was heard in the legislative assembly.

His tenure as Speaker is not his first experience in this role; Rather also served as Speaker of the legislative assembly of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, where he demonstrated a commitment to upholding the dignity and decorum of the House.

Financial Disclosures

As a candidate in the 2024 elections, Abdul Rahim Rather disclosed his financial status, providing insights into his wealth. According to his affidavit, Rather reported an annual income of ₹11 lakh for the fiscal year 2023-24, a notable increase from ₹4.75 lakh in 2019-20. His movable assets are valued at ₹28 lakh, while his spouse holds assets worth ₹29 lakh.

Regarding immovable properties, Rather’s assets are estimated to be worth ₹6.47 crore, and his wife’s assets are valued at ₹4.30 crore. Notably, both Rather and his spouse reported no liabilities, with pension identified as a primary source of income. These recent disclosures reflect a significant growth in his assets since 2014, when his net worth was recorded at ₹4.47 crore, accompanied by ₹5 lakh in liabilities.

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Omar Abdullah’s Endorsement: A Natural Choice for Speaker

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Omar Abdullah, praised Abdul Rahim Rather’s appointment as Speaker, calling him a “natural choice” for the position. Abdullah emphasized Rather’s deep experience and historical contributions to the assembly, highlighting his role in enhancing the dignity of the legislative body in various capacities. He expressed confidence that Rather’s role as Speaker would ensure fair proceedings, stating, “We expect you to do justice with all members,” underscoring the importance of impartial leadership in the assembly.

Abdul Rahim Rather’s selection as Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly marks a continuation of his decades-long service to the region. His journey from a village in Budgam to holding multiple significant roles within Jammu and Kashmir’s government is a testament to his dedication and resilience. As Speaker, Rather is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the legislative future of Jammu and Kashmir, with his deep-rooted understanding of the region’s challenges and aspirations serving as a guiding force for fair and impactful governance.

With Abdul Rahim Rather at the helm, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is set to navigate complex issues and foster a sense of unity and purpose as it moves forward, balancing local sentiments with the broader goals of the Union Territory’s development.