Mehbooba Mufti Invites Ruwa Shah Grand Daughter Of Syed Ali Shah Geelani to Join PDP
By : Alia Kashmiri
A fresh political discussion has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir after reports that Ruwa Shah, granddaughter of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, is considering entering mainstream politics and may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has publicly welcomed the possibility, saying that Ruwa Shah would be welcome in the party if she decides to join.
Speaking about the development, Mehbooba described Ruwa as being like her daughter and said the party’s doors were open to her.
The reported possibility has attracted attention across Kashmir, given Ruwa Shah’s family background and the political history associated with her grandfather.
Mehbooba Mufti Welcomes Ruwa Shah to PDP
Responding to reports about Ruwa Shah’s possible entry into mainstream politics, Mehbooba Mufti extended an open invitation to her to join the PDP.
“She is like my daughter; PDP doors are open if she wishes to join us. She is welcome,” Mehbooba said.
Her remarks have fuelled speculation about a possible political association between Ruwa Shah and the PDP.
However, there has been no official confirmation from Ruwa Shah about whether or when she intends to join the party.
Who Is Ruwa Shah?
Ruwa Shah is the granddaughter of late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the daughter of late Altaf Ahmad Shah, popularly known as Fantoosh.
Geelani was one of the most prominent figures in the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir for several decades.
Her family background has made reports of her possible entry into mainstream politics particularly significant.
Ruwa Shah Previously Distanced Herself from Hurriyat Politics
In March 2024, Ruwa Shah publicly distanced herself from the Hurriyat Conference faction founded by her grandfather.
In a public notice published in a local newspaper, she stated that she had no connection or affiliation with the organisation and no sympathy towards its ideology.
She also expressed allegiance to the Constitution of India.
Her earlier statement had attracted attention because of her family’s longstanding association with separatist politics in Kashmir. Zee News English+1
What Could Her Possible Entry Mean for Kashmir Politics?
Ruwa Shah’s reported interest in mainstream politics has opened a wider discussion about changing political choices among younger members of families historically associated with separatist politics.
If she formally joins the PDP, the development could attract considerable political and public attention across the Kashmir Valley.
For the PDP, Mehbooba Mufti’s invitation signals the party’s willingness to welcome her into its political fold.
However, her future political role, possible party membership and electoral plans remain uncertain.
For now, all eyes are on whether Ruwa Shah responds to Mehbooba Mufti’s invitation and makes a formal announcement about her political future.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Ruwa Shah?
Ruwa Shah is the granddaughter of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and daughter of late Altaf Ahmad Shah, popularly known as Fantoosh.
2. Did Mehbooba Mufti invite Ruwa Shah to join the PDP?
Yes. Mehbooba Mufti publicly welcomed her and said the PDP’s doors were open if she wished to join.
3. Has Ruwa Shah officially joined the PDP?
There has been no official confirmation of her joining the party as of the reports published on 11 November 2026.
4. What did Ruwa Shah say about Hurriyat in 2024?
She publicly declared that she had no affiliation with her grandfather’s Hurriyat faction and no sympathy towards its ideology.
