Engineer Rashid, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla and head of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has firmly denied accusations of being a BJP proxy. His recent success in the 2024 elections, where he defeated seasoned politicians like Omar Abdullah, showcases the public’s discontent with the Modi government’s Naya Kashmir initiative. In sharp criticism, Rashid referred to the PDP and NC leadership as mere puppets of the central government, accusing them of abandoning the people of Jammu and Kashmir during critical moments such as the abrogation of Article 370. The political landscape of Kashmir remains volatile, with Rashid positioning himself as a true voice of the people.
Engineer Rashid: Denying Allegations of Being a BJP Proxy
Engineer Rashid has long been a thorn in the side of traditional Kashmiri politics. Known for his outspoken views and deep-rooted connection with the people of North Kashmir, he has often stood at odds with both the ruling government and the established political dynasties of Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, however, his detractors have gone a step further, accusing him of being a BJP proxy, a claim he finds both baseless and offensive.
Rashid’s rebuttal to these allegations has been nothing short of fierce. “Those who accuse me of being a BJP proxy should feel ashamed of themselves,” he said in a recent press conference. His tone was one of indignation, underscored by a conviction that his political journey has been one of personal persecution rather than privilege. Rashid reminded the public of his stint in Tihar Jail, where he was detained while other mainstream leaders like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti enjoyed comparatively lenient treatment during the abrogation of Article 370. This fact alone, he argues, is evidence that he has never been in the BJP’s favor.
Rashid’s arrest in 2019 on charges related to terror funding, an accusation levied by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), only added fuel to the fire. While others were under house arrest, Rashid spent months behind bars. He was released on bail in 2024, just in time to lead his party into the general elections, where he triumphed over the well-entrenched political figures of Kashmir. His victory over Omar Abdullah in Baramulla was more than a personal achievement; it was a sign of the public’s disillusionment with the traditional leadership and its approach to the region’s problems.
Public Discontent with Modi’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ Vision
At the core of Rashid’s political messaging is his rejection of the Modi government’s Naya Kashmir vision. This initiative, launched after the abrogation of Article 370, was touted as a fresh start for the region—one filled with promises of development, peace, and integration into the national fold. However, Rashid, like many others in the region, views it as a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the distinct identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The people of Kashmir are not blind to what’s happening,” Rashid says. “Naya Kashmir may sound good on paper, but it doesn’t reflect the ground reality. People’s rights and identity have been trampled upon, and the so-called benefits have yet to reach the common man.” His critique of the initiative reflects a broader sentiment within the region, where many feel that the promises of development have been overshadowed by an increase in militarization and a reduction in political autonomy.
Rashid has consistently voiced his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370, a move that effectively stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. In his view, the move was an authoritarian decision that further alienated the people of Kashmir from the rest of India. He believes that the central government’s actions have led to a deep sense of disenfranchisement, with the local population feeling that their voices are no longer heard or respected.
Despite the rhetoric of progress, Rashid argues that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to live under the shadow of uncertainty and fear. “The promise of ‘development’ rings hollow when it comes at the cost of our identity,” he asserts. For Rashid, the solution lies not in economic packages or infrastructural development, but in restoring the rights and dignity of the people. His stance has resonated with a significant portion of the population, particularly in North Kashmir, where he secured a landslide victory in the 2024 elections.
PDP and NC Accused of Failing the People of Jammu and Kashmir
In his scathing critique of the mainstream political parties, Rashid has spared no words. The two dominant forces in Kashmiri politics—the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti and the National Conference (NC) under Omar Abdullah—have come under heavy fire from Rashid for their perceived failures. He accuses both parties of abandoning the people in their most critical hour, particularly during the abrogation of Article 370.
“Omar and Mehbooba should be ashamed,” Rashid said during one of his rallies. “They played politics while the people of Kashmir suffered. Omar was busy enjoying holidays abroad while Mehbooba failed to stand up for the people when it mattered most.” These words were not just political rhetoric but an expression of the frustration many in Kashmir feel towards the traditional political elite.
Rashid further accused the two leaders of acting as “rubber stamps” for the central government. According to him, both Abdullah and Mufti failed to effectively oppose the abrogation of Article 370 and have done little since to mitigate its impact on the people. He likened their inaction to betrayal, stating that they had been complicit in the erosion of Kashmir’s autonomy.
While Rashid himself was imprisoned during this period, he claims that the NC and PDP leaders enjoyed relatively comfortable detentions and did little to mobilize public sentiment against the abrogation. “They are mere puppets,” he said, “and the people of Kashmir are beginning to see through their charade.”
This sense of betrayal has been a central theme in Rashid’s political campaign. He positions himself as the true representative of the people, someone who has faced persecution and hardship for standing up to the central government, while the established political figures have, in his view, capitulated to New Delhi’s whims.
Persecution, Elections, and the Future of Awami Ittehad Party
Engineer Rashid’s political journey is a story of resilience and defiance. From his time in Tihar Jail to his emphatic victory in the 2024 elections, Rashid’s narrative is one of a man who has stood firm in the face of both external and internal challenges. His success in defeating Omar Abdullah by over 200,000 votes in Baramulla is a testament to the growing disillusionment among the electorate with traditional parties.
Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), once considered a fringe player in Kashmir’s political landscape, is now seen as a serious contender for power. The party’s growing popularity can be attributed to Rashid’s ability to tap into the frustrations of a population that feels alienated from both the central government and the established political parties. For many, Rashid represents a new kind of leadership—one that is unafraid to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power.
However, Rashid’s journey has been far from smooth. His arrest in 2019 on terror funding charges has been a significant stain on his political career. Yet, Rashid remains undeterred, insisting that the charges were politically motivated and designed to silence him. His release on bail in 2024 came just in time for him to campaign for the general elections, where he secured a historic win.
Looking ahead, Rashid’s vision for Kashmir is clear. He sees himself as a defender of the region’s rights and identity, someone who will not compromise in the face of pressure from the central government. His stance on the abrogation of Article 370 remains unwavering, and he has vowed to continue fighting for its restoration.
For Rashid, the future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in alliances with the BJP or the Congress, but in the hands of the people. He has cautioned against any collaboration with the central government, warning that it could lead to further erosion of the region’s rights. “We cannot afford to lose more,” he said. “The people of Kashmir must remain vigilant and protect what little we have left.”
Rashid’s political ascent signals a shift in Kashmir’s political landscape. His victory in Baramulla, coupled with the growing support for the Awami Ittehad Party, suggests that the people of Kashmir are looking for new leadership—one that is unafraid to stand up to both the central government and the entrenched political elite.
FAQ Section
What are the allegations against Engineer Rashid regarding the BJP proxy claims?
Engineer Rashid, a well-known political figure from Baramulla, has been accused of being a BJP proxy by some of his political opponents, particularly leaders from the PDP and NC. These allegations suggest that Rashid has been indirectly supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) agenda in Kashmir, a claim that he vehemently denies. Rashid, who has built his political career on being an independent voice for the people of Kashmir, counters these claims by pointing to his long history of opposition to BJP policies, including his staunch resistance to the Naya Kashmir initiative and the abrogation of Article 370.
Rashid highlights his imprisonment during the abrogation of Article 370 as evidence that he has never collaborated with the BJP. He contrasts his time in Tihar Jail with the relatively lenient detentions of other Kashmiri politicians, such as Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. This, according to Rashid, proves that he has faced persecution rather than cooperation from the central government.
How does Engineer Rashid view the ‘Naya Kashmir’ initiative?
Rashid has been a vocal critic of the Modi government’s Naya Kashmir initiative, which was launched after the revocation of Article 370. The initiative promises a new era of development, peace, and integration for Jammu and Kashmir. However, Rashid argues that it represents an erosion of Kashmir’s distinct identity and political autonomy. According to him, the real impact of Naya Kashmir has been increased militarization, suppression of political dissent, and a loss of the region’s special status.
For Rashid, the initiative is less about development and more about the central government’s control over Jammu and Kashmir. He insists that the people of Kashmir remain opposed to this vision and feel alienated by the lack of genuine political dialogue. The discontent he encountered during his election campaign reflects the widespread sentiment against this initiative.
What is Engineer Rashid’s stance on the abrogation of Article 370?
Engineer Rashid has consistently opposed the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He argues that the central government’s decision to revoke this provision was an attack on the political autonomy of the region. According to Rashid, this move has not only alienated the people of Kashmir but also led to a significant breakdown in trust between the region and the central government.
Rashid’s victory in the 2024 elections, particularly over political stalwarts like Omar Abdullah, demonstrates that the people of Kashmir remain dissatisfied with the abrogation of Article 370. He maintains that his success in the elections was largely due to the public’s rejection of the traditional political leadership that failed to prevent the abrogation. For Rashid, restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir remains a key priority in his political agenda.
Why does Engineer Rashid accuse PDP and NC of failing the people of Kashmir?
In his critique of mainstream political parties, Engineer Rashid has been particularly scathing towards the PDP and NC, accusing their leadership of abandoning the people of Kashmir during critical moments, especially during the abrogation of Article 370. He claims that both Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, leaders of the PDP and NC respectively, acted as “puppets” for the central government, failing to effectively oppose the abrogation.
Rashid argues that while he was facing persecution and imprisonment, these leaders were enjoying comfortable detentions. He accuses them of political inaction, particularly in their failure to mobilize meaningful protests against the government’s actions. For Rashid, the leadership of the PDP and NC has become disconnected from the concerns of the Kashmiri people, allowing the central government to undermine the region’s autonomy without significant opposition.
How has Engineer Rashid’s political journey been shaped by his stance on BJP and Kashmir politics?
Engineer Rashid’s political journey has been marked by a strong commitment to advocating for the rights and identity of the people of Kashmir. His opposition to the BJP and its policies in the region, particularly the Naya Kashmir initiative and the abrogation of Article 370, has defined much of his political career. Rashid’s refusal to align with the central government, even in the face of personal persecution, has earned him a reputation as a leader who is willing to stand up for the people of Kashmir.
Despite facing charges related to terror funding in 2019, Rashid has maintained his political relevance. His release on bail ahead of the 2024 elections allowed him to campaign and eventually win a decisive victory over Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency. Rashid’s success is widely seen as a reflection of the public’s growing disillusionment with the traditional political leadership and a desire for new voices that can effectively challenge both the central government and the political elites of Kashmir.
What are the implications of Rashid’s victory for the future of Kashmir politics?
Engineer Rashid’s victory in the 2024 elections signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Kashmir. His triumph over well-established figures like Omar Abdullah reflects a broader public rejection of the traditional political parties, particularly the PDP and NC, which many feel have failed to protect Kashmir’s autonomy. Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has emerged as a strong alternative to the dominant political forces in the region, offering a platform that prioritizes the restoration of Kashmir’s political rights and identity.
Rashid’s victory also highlights the growing importance of independent political voices in Kashmir. As the region continues to navigate the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370, Rashid’s success suggests that the people are looking for leaders who are not beholden to the central government or entrenched political interests. Moving forward, Rashid’s role in Kashmir politics will likely center on his continued opposition to BJP policies and his efforts to restore the region’s special status.
What challenges does Engineer Rashid face in his political future?
While Engineer Rashid’s recent electoral success has boosted his political profile, he continues to face significant challenges. His ongoing legal battles, including the 2019 terror funding charges, could potentially derail his political career. Moreover, his vocal opposition to the BJP and his criticism of both the central government and the traditional Kashmiri political elite have made him a target for political opponents.
Rashid’s ability to navigate these challenges will largely depend on his capacity to maintain public support and build a broader political base. As Kashmir’s political environment remains volatile, Rashid will need to balance his role as a critic of the Naya Kashmir initiative and the abrogation of Article 370 with the practical demands of governance and leadership. His future political success will likely hinge on his ability to continue positioning himself as a defender of Kashmiri rights while navigating the complexities of regional and national politics.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
