The growing influence of fundamentalists in Jammu and Kashmir can create complicated equations in the assembly elections. The mainstream parties in the state are worried about this. After the victory of Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer in the Baramulla seat in the Lok Sabha elections, there was a buzz about a new equation in the state. Now the political parties are alert about such challenges during the assembly elections as well.
It is believed that a secret strategy is being made to fill the space created due to the alleged disappointment towards the mainstream parties. Professor Gul Mohammad Wani of Jammu and Kashmir University believes that the state assembly elections being held after ten years will not be like before. This time many changes will be seen due to the equation formed after the abolition of Article 370. In the elections being held after ten years, mainstream parties may not have the same dominance as before. Earlier, due to the influence of separatist elements, a section used to talk about boycotting the elections, but now people want representation of their voice instead of boycott. Its effect will also be seen on the ground.
Experts are also discussing new political possibilities by considering Rashid Sheikh, who won a landslide victory from Baramulla seat in Lok Sabha, as a symbol. There is a possibility of fundamentalist-backed candidates contesting independently on many seats. Engineer Rashid contested the election from Baramulla seat as an independent. He defeated his rival Omar Abdullah by a huge margin. Sheikh contested and won the election while being lodged in Tihar Jail. Rashid is accused of taking terror funding. He has serious charges against him under the UAPA Act. Experts say that his victory despite all the adverse circumstances revealed the mood of the people. Therefore, the fundamentalists will try to dominate the assembly elections.
BJP is looking for a way to enter the valley
In fact, the change in the constitutional status of the state has had a greater impact on regional parties and leaders. IAS topper Shah Faisal had formed a political party, but he left it and returned to the administrative service. Former JNU Students’ Union vice-president Shehla Rashid, who was the founder of the party along with Faisal, also chose a different path. Former Chief Minister of the state and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has announced not to contest elections until the state is restored. His stance in the elections will have to be seen. The condition of the PDP is also not very strong. After giving representation to different communities, the BJP is looking for a way to enter the valley under the guise of delimitation. This election is also full of difficulties for the Congress.
