As vote counting unfolds for the 6 Lok Sabha seats in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a compelling storyline emerges amidst tight security measures aiming to prevent violence in the valley. Engineer Rashid, a candidate who’s campaigning from a prison cell, is on the brink of a startling victory against National Conference’s heavyweight, Omar Abdullah, at the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency.
Even Abdullah recognized this upset, congratulating Rashid on social media and stating that it's time to accept the ongoing events. He applauded Engineer Rashid for his North Kashmir win, though expressing doubt about Rashid's win securing his release from jail or enabling the people of North Kashmir to have their rightful representation. Nevertheless, Abdullah noted that the voters have spoken, which is the essence of democracy.
The name Engineer Rashid may not be well-known beyond Kashmir, but it's a name that resonated with voters enough to topple one of the region's most influential leaders. Discover who Engineer Rashid, also known as Abdul Rashid, truly is.
In the political landscape of Northern Kashmir, Rashid is not an unknown entity, having served as an MLA twice. For the past five years, he has been serving time in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Initially affiliated with the Awami Ittehad Party, Rashid contested this election as an independent candidate. He was an independent candidate in the 2019 general elections as well but fell short against National Conference’s Mohammad Akbar Lone.
Source: aajtak
When was the charge made
In 2019, Rashid was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) over allegations of terror funding, marking him as the first leader in India's history to face such accusations.
How did he contest the election from jail
While Rashid was in Tihar, his presence on the ground was felt through his sons, Abrar Rashid and Asrar Rashied, who diligently campaigned for their father. They appealed to the masses to endorse their father, conducting continuous rallies and meetings that eventually paid off.
Source: aajtak
In the Lok Sabha constituency of Anantnag Rajouri, PDP's candidate Mehbooba Mufti appears to be facing a significant defeat. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference’s candidate Mian Altaf Ahmed is leading significantly. Mufti has also nearly conceded her defeat on social media, stating that she respects the decision of the people. Victory and defeat are part of the game and cannot detract us from our path.
It's worth mentioning that these elections, which saw a record turnout, are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Initially, it was thought that the voting might go against BJP, but the counting has appeared not to be entirely adverse. In the contest for five seats, both JKN and BJP are leading in two seats each, with only the independent candidate Rashid showing a considerable lead.
