Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather, who has played a vital role in J&K’s political and financial landscape in last 50 years, has the distinction of winning seven assembly elections from 1977 to 2024 from Charar-i-Sharief constituency in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on the National Conference ticket.
The 80-year old NC leader is the oldest member of J&K Assembly and has been entrusted with an important responsibility to run the House.
Rather was born in Badipora village of Chadoora in 1944. His father Ghulam Qadir Rather was a farmer.
After qualifying the matriculation examination, he was appointed as a teacher. However, he opted for higher studies and completed his post-graduation in political science in 1968 at University of Kashmir and later did LLB in 1971 from Aligarh Muslim University.
Rather contested his first Assembly election unsuccessfully in 1972 as an independent candidate. In 1977, he contested assembly elections on the National Conference ticket for the first time and emerged victorious. He won all the polls that were held from 1977 to 2008, but lost to PDP’s Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura in 2014.
His popularity can be gauged from the fact he has won the elections from Charar-i-Sharief constituency seven times.
“People of Charar-i-Sharief have full faith in Rather and his abilities. His doors have always remained open for the people. He has been the voice of the people and has always remained available to help them,” said Ghulam Qadir, who hails from Rather’s native village.
“Rather throughout his political career has worked relentlessly for the welfare and development of the people. The electorate in his constituency have reposed faith in him again and again by choosing him over other candidates,” Qadir added.
Rather in his illustrious career has held key ministries in J&K, including Finance, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs, where his contributions were particularly noteworthy.
As Finance Minister, he introduced measures to strengthen J&K's financial framework, including improved tax collection mechanisms and fiscal responsibility initiatives.
Rather played a significant role in passing critical legislation that addressed public grievances and promoted social development.
He was the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in J&K Assembly from 2002 to 2008 during the PDP-Congress coalition government.
In his over 40 years of parliamentary life, Rather has not been accused of rule violations nor has any action been taken against him by the Assembly Speaker. He never misused his position as the Leader of the Opposition.
Rather has remained associated with NC for 50 years and has been a member of the Central Working Committee for 45 years.
On November 4, 2024, he was elected as the first Speaker of Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. His election was unopposed, reflecting the confidence placed in his extensive experience and ability to preside over the legislative processes.
In his maiden speech after being elected as Speaker, Rather said he would not represent any political party in the House and that he belongs to all – treasury as well as the opposition benches.
“I will not play any partisan role and prove through my actions that this house operates in a fair and unbiased manner,” Rather said.