Abdul Rahim Rather

Abdul Rahim Rather (born 1944) is an Indian politician from Jammu and Kashmir. He is currently serving as the speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He is a seven time MLA representing the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party from Charar-i-Sharief Assembly constituency in Budgam district. He has served as a speaker and held several important ministries including finance in the previous National Conference governments.

Early life and education Rather was born in Badipora village of Chadoora, Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. His father Ghulam Qadir Rather was a farmer. He completed his post graduation in political science in 1968 at University of Kashmir and later did L.L.B. in 1971 at Aligarh Muslim University. His son runs a software company.

Career Rather first won the 1977 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election from Charar-i-Sharief Assembly constituency as a candidate of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. He was later elected for another five terms consecutively winning the 1983, 1987, 1996, 2002 and 2008 elections. In 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election, he lost to Ghulam Nabi Lone of JKPDP to end his over 30 years hold on the constituency.

In 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, he was elected for his 7th term in Jammu and Kashmir's legislature. Electoral performance