" My father worked for more than four decades in politics, in Indian democracy, and it took us 20 years to build a house for ourselves. "
- Mehbooba Mufti

In simple terms, the speaker is expressing that despite their father's long-standing involvement in politics and Indian democracy spanning over four decades, it took a considerable amount of time—twenty years—for her family to construct a personal residence. This statement underscores a contrast between public service and personal achievements.

On a deeper level, this quote reflects broader issues within society regarding the imbalance between political engagement and tangible benefits for individual families or communities. The speaker highlights that while her father dedicated his life to serving democracy, building infrastructure in governance, and addressing societal needs on a macro scale, there was no immediate gain for his family's personal well-being. This contrast raises questions about whether public service adequately compensates individuals through intangible benefits like social recognition, or if it leaves them lacking in practical necessities such as housing, which are often seen as basic measures of success and security.

Mehbooba Mufti is a prominent political figure in Indian-administered Kashmir. She served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2016 to 2018 and is known for her active role in politics, following in the footsteps of her father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah. Her statement reflects personal experiences intertwined with broader political commentary on the challenges faced by those deeply involved in public service.