Aam Aadmi Party's Historic Victory in Jammu and Kashmir

The Aam Aadmi Party achieved its first legislative assembly victory in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda constituency. Mehraj Malik won against BJP's Gajay Singh Rana by over 4,538 votes. This marks AAP's expanding influence, with prior victories in Delhi, Punjab, and representation in Gujarat and Goa.

The Aam Aadmi Party marked a significant milestone by clinching its first assembly election victory in Jammu and Kashmir. On Tuesday, Mehraj Malik emerged victorious against the BJP's Gajay Singh Rana in the Doda constituency, defeating his opponent by a margin of more than 4,538 votes.

Malik, who holds a position in the District Development Council, garnered 23,228 votes. His nearest rival, Gajay Singh Rana of the BJP, secured 18,690 votes. Meanwhile, former National Conference minister Khalid Najib Suharwardy and DPAP's Abdul Majid Wani earned 13,334 and 10,027 votes, respectively, pushing Congress candidate Sheikh Riaz Ahmad to fifth place with 4,170 votes.

Earlier this year, Malik had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Udhampur constituency. AAP, which fielded seven candidates in the 90-assembly segment elections, gained national party status last year. The party currently holds power in Delhi and Punjab and has a presence in Gujarat and Goa assemblies.

(With inputs from agencies.)