Advocate Saif Ud Din Bhat is an Indian politician from Jammu & Kashmir and currently a Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly (since 2024), representing the Khan Sahib constituency as part of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC). Bhat began his political journey in 2007, when he formed a local forum to highlight the issues faced by the people of Khan Sahib. By 2008, he had gained recognition for raising grassroots concerns and was preparing to contest the Assembly elections as an independent candidate. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offered him a ticket, and he subsequently joined the party. During the PDP-BJP coalition government, Bhat was elected as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Following the division within the PDP, he left the party and later joined the National Conference. In the 2024 Assembly Elections, Bhat defeated his opponent Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Chairman of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), from Budgam’s Khan Sahib constituency. The Khan Sahib area of Budgam district is notable for its tourist attractions such as Tosamaidan, Doodhpathri, and Yousmarg. Bhat has made the development and reopening of these destinations a priority, stressing their importance as sources of livelihood for thousands of local families. Known for his strong grassroots presence, Bhat frequently visits far-flung areas of his constituency to address public demands. Currently, he is focused on reopening tourist destinations closed since the Pahalgam terror attack, with special emphasis on Doodhpathri. “Hundreds of families depend on Doodhpathri for their survival. It must be reopened to revive tourism and generate employment in khansahib Budgam,” he said.