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The release of Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, or Engineer Rashid as he is popularly known, from Tihar Jail on interim bail has injected an intriguing twist into the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Many political leaders in the Valley have raised eyebrows about the timing of his release, given his previous arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in August 2019 on charges of terror-funding. His release has sparked a flurry of speculation and accusations, particularly among regional parties who view him as a potential proxy for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a charge he vehemently denies.
Engineer Rashid, the chief of the Awami Ittehad Party, emerged as a political surprise in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, defeating former chief minister Omar Abdullah by a substantial margin of 2,04,142 votes. His victory was widely attributed to a sympathy wave fueled by his imprisonment and his sons' relentless campaigning, promising his release in case of a win. Analysts also suggest that he received votes from those who sympathize with the separatist movement in the Valley.
Since his release, Engineer Rashid has been vocal in his criticism of the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of exacerbating the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also made attempts to garner support from those who advocate for separatism, referencing imprisoned separatists like Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru, evoking strong emotional responses within the Kashmiri community. His campaign promises to solve Kashmir's issues through dialogue and negotiation have further fueled speculation about his true political affiliations.
Despite his release and subsequent campaign activities, Engineer Rashid and his party, the Awami Ittehad Party, may not have a significant impact in the southern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. However, his influence in the north, especially in Baramulla, remains a major concern for his political opponents, particularly the NC. The NC, once considered dominant in the region, faces a potential threat from Engineer Rashid's campaigning and his ability to mobilize votes among those who are disillusioned with the traditional political parties.
The release of Engineer Rashid has undoubtedly altered the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. While his political stance remains ambiguous, his presence in the upcoming assembly elections is likely to create a highly competitive and unpredictable electoral environment. Whether his release will translate into a significant victory for him and his party, or whether he will be able to garner support from those who advocate for separatism, remains to be seen. The upcoming elections will provide a clear indication of the impact his release has had on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and whether he can successfully translate his Lok Sabha victory into a broader political success.
Source: Termed 'BJP Proxy' by Rivals, Can Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid 'Engineer' A Shock Result in J&K Polls?