Altaf Hussain Wani*
The release of engineer Rashid on interim bail has once again brought the political intricacies in Jammu and Kashmir into the limelight. Engineer Rashid’s release has added a new element to the complex election campaign, which has so far been the domain of the National Conference-Congress combine, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) with a host of independents.
Rashid, the Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) leader, is an outspoken personality who often positions himself as an independent voice against New Delhi and established political parties of the Kashmir Valley like the NC and the PDP.
While many feel that Rashid’s return to the political scene could be part of a larger plan to fragment the Muslim-majority electorate in the Kashmir Valley, others feel that the NC-Congress alliance itself is to blame for this fragmentation, which makes it easier for the BJP to weaken its opponents. Had they utilised and continued the alliance they entered into after August 2019, they would have surely won the Kashmir Assembly elections.
Politics in Kashmir has always been a delicate balancing act, but there have been dramatic shifts in recent years. Since the abolition of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, the BJP has been trying to consolidate its control over the region.
This has been done through a combination of legal reforms such as boundary demarcation and more direct measures such as the jailing of key political leaders, including Engineer Rashid. The BJP has portrayed its actions as steps towards greater integration of Kashmir with the rest of India, but many in the Valley see these actions as attempts to suppress their political voice and autonomy.
Now, as the region prepares for its first major elections since 2019, the stakes are high. The emergence of smaller political players like Rashid and his AIP complicates the electoral equation. The presence of the AIP will undoubtedly weaken the influence of traditional parties like the NC and the PDP, which have long dominated Kashmir’s political landscape. Both parties have suffered from a loss of public confidence in recent years as their leadership has been accused of corruption and political opportunism.
Rashid’s decision to contest for up to 40 assembly seats without forming a coalition is another indication of his intention to be an independent force in this election. He has made it clear that he wants to be accountable only to his “inner self” and not to any political party.
Engineer Rashid has long portrayed himself as a champion of the Kashmiri people, especially the disenfranchised youth who feel alienated from the political establishment. His success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he defeated heavyweights like Omar Abdullah, is a testament to his appeal among younger voters disenchanted with the status quo.
These voters are looking for a leader who can address their frustration with the BJP’s policies and the failure of traditional parties like the NC and the PDP to address the day-to-day struggles of Kashmiris.
In a stinging criticism of the PDP, he highlighted how its alliance with the BJP after the 2014 general elections undermines its claim to defend the interests of Kashmiris. According to Rashid, his imprisonment speaks volumes about his commitment to the Kashmiri cause while his political opponents have enjoyed freedom and political office.
But even if Rashid distances himself from the BJP, the bigger question remains: to what extent can he resist outside influence?
Test and Opportunity
His return to politics is seen by many as both a test and an opportunity. His popularity among the youth could be a sign that the political tides are changing and younger voters are looking for alternatives to the NC and the PDP. Rashid’s rhetoric of opposition to the nationalism of the BJP and the secularism of the INDIA bloc resonates with many who feel left behind by mainstream politics.
But the challenges for the people of Kashmir remain immense. As the BJP continues to push its vision of a “Naya Kashmir”,” there are fears that local voices will be increasingly sidelined. Rashid’s statements after his release — particularly his protest against the revocation of Article 370 — underscore the deep resentment many Kashmiris feel about the changes being imposed on their region.
His criticism of the BJP and the INDIA bloc reflects a broader disillusionment with national politics, which many Kashmiris see as disconnected from the realities of their lives.
At the same time, the situation of other imprisoned leaders such as Asiya Andrabi highlights the persistent human rights problems in the region. Rashid’s comparison of these imprisoned individuals to “Sita” and his call for their release emphasises the emotional and symbolic weight that these issues carry for many Kashmiris.
With crucial elections coming up in Jammu and Kashmir, the political landscape remains as complex and contentious as ever. The people of Kashmir, especially the youth, are at a crossroads. Disillusioned by the failures of the past, but also wary of the new political machinations, they must find a way to harmonise their aspirations. Engineer Rashid’s role in this dynamic could be crucial, but only time will tell if he proves to be a true leader of change or a pawn in a larger political game.
*Altaf Hussain Wani is chairman of the Islamabad-based think tank— Kashmir Institute of International Relations. He can be reached by email at saleeemwani@hotmail.com @sultan1913
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