Ali Muhammad Hajam elected as president Bandipora Traders Federation

Bandipora, Aug 4: After a long hiatus, the Bandipora Trade Federation in north Kashmir finally held elections on Monday, bringing new leadership to the fore.

Ali Mohammad Hajam was elected president after securing 419 out of 855 votes cast, defeating his closest rival Shamshaad Ahmad by a margin of 86 votes. Of the 1,261 registered voters, voter turnout stood at around 68%. Other candidates Naseer Ahmad and Wali Mohammad polled 97 and 4 votes respectively, while two votes were declared invalid.

The post of General Secretary went uncontested to Mehraj-ud-din Dandroo.

Speaking after his win, Hajam called the victory a “challenge more than a celebration.” He expressed gratitude for the traders’ trust and vowed to raise their concerns with the authorities.

“Bandipora’s business community faces a range of unresolved issues—from sanitation to drainage and the absence of proper washrooms in the main market. These will be taken up on priority,” he said.

Calling for cooperation with the administration, he added, “Together we can bring change. Our goal is to transform Bandipora’s image so that our trade can grow and our town can progress.”

Welcoming the revival of elections after years of dormancy—largely due to Covid-19 and its aftermath—Hajam said, “Better late than never. The democratic process must continue.”

He credited his victory to clear messaging and a strong connection with the local trader base, concluding, “I pray to the Almighty that I can fulfill all the promises made to the business community.”