Dr Shenaz Ganai Appointed Vice President of BJP Jammu and Kashmir

A Voice for the Marginalised Rises in the Ranks

From Editor’s Desk: 

Srinagar, July 2025: In a significant move that signals both strategic political direction and a deeper commitment to inclusive leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Dr. Shenaz Ganai as the Vice President of its Jammu and Kashmir unit. The appointment is seen as a moment of recognition for a leader whose journey from the grassroots of Poonch to the upper echelons of regional politics has been nothing short of inspiring.

Dr. Ganai’s political journey began not in the corridors of power but amidst the rugged terrains of the Pir Panjal region. Born into a Pahari tribal community, her rise through the political ranks was driven by an unshakable resolve to uplift the most marginalised sections of society particularly women and tribal communities. Her early work as a social activist and Director of the NGO “Hamari Aawaz” laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong mission of empowering women, promoting education, and advocating for social justice.

Her entry into formal politics came in 2012 when she contested and won the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election from the Panchayat quota. Securing an overwhelming 9,070 votes and defeating her closest rival by a staggering margin of 6,917 votes, Dr. Ganai quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her six-year tenure in the Legislative Council, from 2012 to 2018, was characterised by a hands-on approach to governance, an active presence on the ground, and a keen eye for policy details. It was during this tenure that she was honoured with the ‘Best J&K Legislator Award’ in 2016 in recognition to her dedication and effectiveness as a lawmaker.

The BJP’s decision to bring her into its fold on February 12, 2024, is seen as a pivotal turn in both her career and the party’s evolving outreach strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. Her induction was not just a political gesture but a clear message that the party was ready to embrace inclusive representation, particularly from underrepresented regions and communities. With her appointment as Vice President, Dr. Ganai now occupies a role where her grassroots experience and tribal identity are expected to shape policy and strategy at the UT level.

Her leadership comes at a time when the BJP is looking to deepen its connect in the Pir Panjal region, a strategically vital and politically complex area of Jammu and Kashmir. As the only tribal woman ever elected from this region to the erstwhile State Legislative Council, she brings with her not only political legitimacy but also an intimate understanding of the challenges facing border populations, including poor infrastructure, lack of education opportunities, and unemployment among youth.

Dr. Ganai’s work has always bridged the gap between policy and people. Through “Hamari Aawaz”, she has created platforms for women to engage in vocational training, health awareness, and civic participation. Her outreach among rural Panchayats and marginalised communities has helped createtrust, a commodity often scarce in strife-affected regions. As Vice President, she is expected to continue resolving issues close to her heart viz tribal rights, women’s empowerment, access to healthcare, and inclusive development.

Her appointment also signals a strategic strengthening of the BJP’s women’s wing in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a credible and experienced face for outreach efforts in sensitive regions. By tapping into her grassroots network, the party is aiming to consolidate its presence in areas historically dominated by regional parties.

In Dr. Shenaz Ganai, the BJP has found a leader who embodies empathy, and ambition, qualities that are increasingly becoming central to the party’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir. Her journey, rooted in the soil of Poonch and lifted by the aspirations of the people she serves, is now poised to shape the future political landscape of the Union Territory.

As the political narrative in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, her elevation marks not just personal feat, but a larger transformation in the representation of tribal and minority voices in the mainstream. With this new role, Dr Shenaz Ganai stands ready to influence, empower, and lead, not from above, but from among the very people whose struggles shaped her path.