Suhail Rather
Bandipora, August 4: In a closely contested election that drew strong participation from the business community, Ali Mohammad Hajam, a 43-year-old shopkeeper and entrepreneur from Lawaypora Bandipora, has been elected President of the Bandipora Trade Federation.
The young engineering graduate, Ali Mohammad secured 419 votes, defeating his nearest rival Shamshaad Ahmad, who received 333 votes, with a winning margin of 86.
Two other candidates — Naseer Ahmad and Wali Mohammad — garnered 97 and 4 votes respectively. Two votes were declared invalid.
The election witnessed impressive turnout: 889 of the total 1,261 registered voters cast their ballots, reflecting high engagement from local traders and stakeholders.
In his post-election remarks, Hajam expressed gratitude to the business fraternity for their overwhelming support.
“I am honored by the trust the traders have placed in me. I will work diligently to resolve their long-pending issues, improve coordination among business stakeholders, and make the Federation a more dynamic and inclusive body,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mehraj-ud-din Dandroo was elected unopposed as General Secretary of the Federation — a move welcomed across the board as a sign of unity and consensus on his leadership.
The election was conducted peacefully under the supervision of designated officials, and traders have voiced high hopes that the new leadership will prioritize development, streamline trader representation, and serve as a bridge between local businesses and the administration.
