Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Engineer Rashid's Return Shakes Up Kashmir Politics Amid Assembly Elections
As assembly elections approach in Indian-administered Kashmir, a significant political figure, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, has re-emerged on the political scene after being released from jail earlier this month. Popularly known as Engineer Rashid, his return from Delhi’s Tihar prison has caused a stir, particularly as he campaigns for his Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), which has fielded candidates in over three dozen constituencies. The region is seeing its first major election since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, a move that stripped Kashmir of its special status.
Rashid's interim release on bail has reignited interest in his political journey and influence in the region, where assembly elections are a high stakes event. Despite being accused of terror funding, a charge he denies, Rashid has focused on rallying support for his candidates, urging voters to reject both regional and national parties. His defiance and direct approach have further polarized an already tense political climate, especially as he continues to speak out against the abrogation of Article 370.
A Political Comeback Amid Historic Elections
This year's assembly elections are the first since Kashmir’s autonomy was revoked by the Indian government in August 2019. For the first time in years, the elections span across 90 constituencies, covering the Muslim majority Kashmir Valley and Hindu majority Jammu. These elections, involving 873 candidates, have been framed by federal officials as a testament to normalcy in a region historically impacted by conflict and insurgency.
However, Engineer Rashid’s return to the political front has disrupted the conventional narrative. Rashid, who was jailed following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, had been a vocal critic of the move. Now, with his release, he has quickly positioned himself as a key figure challenging the ruling establishment in Delhi, accusing it of "heavy-handed" governance in the region.
His Awami Ittehad Party's participation in this crucial election signals the broader involvement of leaders who had once advocated separatist ideologies. Rashid’s involvement in the democratic process comes as a symbolic nod to the evolving dynamics in Kashmiri politics, as more former separatist leaders choose electoral participation over boycott.
Rashid’s Legacy of Defiance and Unconventional Protests
Throughout his political career, Engineer Rashid has built a reputation for defiance and unconventional methods of protest. Known for his fiery rhetoric and bold actions, he has often clashed with both regional and national authorities. His protests have ranged from vocal opposition to government policies to dramatic public demonstrations. In 2012, Rashid attempted to bring dozens of stray dogs into the state secretariat to highlight the government's inaction on the issue of canine menace in his constituency. This eccentric form of protest reflected his ability to capture public attention while addressing local grievances.
Rashid’s brand of politics has been one of direct confrontation. In 2015, he hosted a controversial "beef party" in defiance of the cow slaughter ban in several Indian states. The act drew sharp criticism and led to physical confrontations with members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the same year, Rashid was attacked by members of a Hindu group at Delhi’s Press Club, who doused his face with ink during a protest he led against the lynching of a Kashmiri truck driver.
Beyond these headline making protests, Rashid has continuously voiced concerns over alleged human rights violations in Kashmir. On International Human Rights Day in 2015, he led a symbolic march through Srinagar with animals, holding placards that stated, "Animals have more rights than people in Kashmir." His protests have often taken aim at what he perceives as the excessive militarization and suppression of civil liberties in the region.
A Grassroots Leader Gaining Momentum
While mainstream Kashmiri political figures have often hailed from established political dynasties, Engineer Rashid has carved a distinct path for himself. A former government engineer, Rashid resigned from his post in 2008 to contest the assembly elections, successfully winning twice as an independent candidate. Unlike many of Kashmir’s prominent leaders, Rashid has fostered an image of being a "common man’s politician." He is known for taking on authorities and fighting for the underrepresented, which has made him immensely popular among grassroots voters.
Rashid’s blunt approach has resonated with many Kashmiris who feel disillusioned with traditional politics. His ability to draw large crowds and maintain a fervent support base has earned him the status of a crowd puller since his entry into politics. Political analysts argue that his style of protest politics, coupled with his straightforward messaging, makes him an attractive candidate for those looking for an alternative to the region's entrenched political elites.
Allegations and Political Tensions
However, Rashid’s rapid rise has not been without controversy. His return to the campaign trail just days before the assembly elections has led to accusations from regional rivals, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah. Both have publicly questioned the funding of his party and alleged that Rashid is acting as a "proxy" for the ruling BJP. They claim his presence in the election is part of a broader strategy to divide the opposition vote in favor of the BJP, a charge Rashid has repeatedly denied.
In response to these allegations, Rashid has pointed to his time in jail as evidence that he is not aligned with the BJP. "If I were a BJP man, I wouldn’t have spent over five years in jail," Rashid asserted, dismissing the accusations. His imprisonment and subsequent win in the 2024 parliamentary elections while still incarcerated have further boosted his credibility among supporters, who see him as a defiant figure willing to stand up to the government.
Future Prospects and Public Sentiment
Rashid’s rallies have drawn significant public interest, particularly among young voters who are eager to see a resolution to the long standing Kashmir conflict. Many of his supporters view him as a voice for the people, unafraid to challenge both regional and national power structures. At a recent rally, enthusiastic crowds gathered to hear Rashid speak on issues ranging from Kashmir’s autonomy to the misuse of anti terror laws in the region.
Despite the allegations leveled against him, Rashid’s popularity continues to grow. Many voters believe that his grassroots connection and unfiltered approach to politics make him a viable candidate to challenge the status quo. As one businessman, Rafiq Ahmad, noted, "People want to give Rashid a chance and see what he does."
With the elections nearing their final phase, Sheikh Abdul Rashid’s presence on the political stage has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to the region’s already volatile political landscape. Whether he can successfully translate his popularity into electoral gains remains to be seen, but for now, Engineer Rashid has become a figure whose return has shaken the political status quo in Kashmir.
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