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The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is heating up as the upcoming assembly elections draw closer. In a significant development, Engineer Rashid, the Baramulla MP who has been incarcerated since 2019 for alleged involvement in a terror funding case, has been granted interim bail by a Delhi court. This release, granted with conditions including a bond of ₹2 lakh and a prohibition on discussing the case with the media, allows Rashid to campaign in the elections scheduled to take place in three phases from September 18 to October 1.
Upon his release, Rashid, known for his vocal criticism of the BJP and its policies in Jammu and Kashmir, pledged to continue his political fight against what he calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi's failed narrative of “Naya Kashmir.” This narrative refers to the changes implemented in the region following the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, in August 2019. Rashid maintains that the people have rejected these changes and will continue to oppose them.
Rashid's release has sparked reactions from various political leaders. While Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), welcomed the court's decision, describing it as a “step towards justice,” Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accused Rashid of being a proxy for the BJP and expressed concerns over the disparity in the treatment of incarcerated individuals. She pointed out the stark contrast between Rashid's ability to contest elections from jail and the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in visiting their imprisoned family members.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference (NC), has expressed skepticism about the timing of Rashid's bail. He alleged that the interim bail was granted not to serve the people or attend Parliament, but to fetch votes for the upcoming elections. Abdullah emphasized that Rashid will likely be returned to Tihar jail after the elections, leaving the people of north Kashmir without representation once again. This accusation highlights the political maneuvering and strategic plays that are becoming increasingly evident as the election campaign intensifies.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are anticipated to be a major political battleground, with the results set to be declared on October 8. Engineer Rashid's release, amidst a backdrop of complex political dynamics and ongoing legal proceedings, is sure to have a significant impact on the electoral landscape. His return to the political stage adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to the already tense and contentious election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: Out on bail, Engineer Rashid vows to fight against PM Modi's ‘Naya Kashmir narrative’