J&K Election: Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party, Jamaat-e-Islami Fail to Make Impact
The much-anticipated 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have delivered a resounding verdict against separatist-backed candidates, with Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami failing to make any significant impact. In a political landscape dominated by mainstream parties like the National Conference (NC) and the Indian National Congress, the separatist-leaning candidates were largely rejected by the electorate, signaling a shift away from such politics in the Kashmir Valley.
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by Engineer Rashid, fielded 44 candidates across the region, including his brother Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, who contested the Langate seat. Despite their efforts, none of the party’s candidates, including prominent figures like Firdous Baba, managed to secure a victory. Many, including Sheikh, lost their deposits, a telling indicator of the public’s disapproval.
Similarly, Jamaat-e-Islami, a socio-political and religious organization that had fielded and supported a total of eight candidates, faced widespread defeat. Among their candidates, only Sayar Ahmed Reshi, a proxy candidate from Kulgam, managed to make a slight impression, although he too fell far short of any significant success. Reshi, though maintaining an optimistic stance, acknowledged the limitations they faced in campaigning and the challenges ahead, saying, “This is the start of the process. We had limited time for campaigning, but I believe we can make a difference in the future.”
A clear message from the electorate
One of the most symbolic defeats came in Sopore, where Aizaj Ahmed Guru, the brother of Afzal Guru, a key figure associated with the separatist movement, was soundly defeated. Aizaj managed to secure just 129 votes, a number significantly lower than the 341 votes cast for the None of the Above (NOTA) option. This landslide defeat highlights the growing disconnect between the electorate and candidates tied to separatist ideology.
The failure of the Awami Ittehad Party to garner substantial support was underscored by the performance of Sheikh Ashiq Hussain, a prominent businessman and close associate of Engineer Rashid. Contesting from Baramulla, Hussain managed to secure only 963 votes, falling short of even the NOTA option, which received 1,713 votes in his constituency. Hussain, reflecting on the results, acknowledged the wave of support for the National Conference. “It’s not just a wave,” he remarked. “People have voted decisively for the National Conference. Now we await to see what they deliver in return for their mandate.”
The Fall of separatist politics
The defeat of separatist-leaning candidates in this election marks a significant political shift in Jammu and Kashmir. Analyst commentary following the results indicates that the electorate has rejected the idea of separatism and is moving towards mainstream political representation. The National Conference, which emerged as the dominant force in the region, has been seen as a stable option for voters seeking peace and development in the post-Article 370 era.
One of the most notable candidates tied to separatist sentiment, Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as “Azadi Chacha,” ran for the Beerwah constituency while imprisoned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite his strong association with the separatist movement, he too faced defeat, losing to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. Although Wagay managed to save his deposit, his defeat was symbolic of the wider electoral rejection of separatist candidates.
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Even candidates like Talat Majid, who ran from Pulwama as a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, struggled to gain support. Majid attributed his loss to internal divisions within the Jamaat-e-Islami cadre and an unfounded association with the BJP, which he believed hurt his chances. “I want Jamaat’s ban to be lifted so we can restore the glory that its founders had in helping people,” Majid said, referring to the organization’s historical contributions to education and social work in the region.
The road ahead
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have been a defining moment in the political evolution of the region. For Engineer Rashid’s AIP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the results have been a sobering reminder of the public’s growing disillusionment with separatist ideology. While candidates like Reshi and Majid remain hopeful about their future prospects, the electorate’s decisive rejection of their platforms signals a clear preference for more centrist, development-focused politics.
As the dust settles, the National Conference and Congress have emerged as the primary victors, poised to shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the separatist movement appears to be in retreat, with voters sending a strong message that they are ready for change, stability, and development in a region long marred by conflict.
The results of these elections have shown that while separatist groups may continue to hold a place in the cultural and historical fabric of Kashmir, their relevance in electoral politics is rapidly diminishing.
