ZAFFAR ALTAF BEIGH
In a remarkable display of the beauty of Indian democracy, 23-year-old Abrar Rashid, the son of jailed politician Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Er Rashid, has taken up the mantle of his father’s election campaign in North Kashmir. Despite his father’s incarceration, Abrar has stepped into the world of politics, embodying the resilience and inclusivity that define India’s democratic ethos. This election campaign underscores the beauty of Indian democracy, which allows even jailed individuals like Er Rashid to participate and contest in elections. This inclusivity is a hallmark of India’s democratic fabric.
“Main baghi hoon main baghi hoon, jo chahe mujh pe zulm karo, mere haath mein haq ka jhanda hai, mere sir pe zulm ka phanda hai, main marne se kab darti hoon, main mout ki khatir zinda hoon, mere khoon ka suraj chamke ga to bacha bacha bole ga, main baghi hoon, main baghi hoon,” These are the words of Pakistani writer and documentary filmmaker Dr. Khalid Javed Jan, recited by 23-year-old Abrar Rashid, son of jailed Abdul Rashid Sheikh, known as Engineer Rashid. Abrar begins each speech in his father’s election campaign in north Kashmir with this powerful poem, urging people to vote for his father.
Abrar Rashid, a student thrust into the role of an accidental politician, is campaigning for his father, one of 22 candidates in the Baramulla election scheduled for May 20. Engineer Rashid is contesting for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat but is unable to campaign due to his imprisonment. He has been incarcerated for the past five years after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in August 2019 on charges related to terror funding.
His arrest followed the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood by New Delhi on August 5, 2019. Rashid has since been held in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. In March 2022, the NIA formally charged Rashid with allegedly inciting disaffection against the government of India and armed forces, and receiving funds from Pakistan.
After the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir witnessed numerous political changes, including the emergence of new parties and the participation of young faces in elections. However, Engineer Rashid’s party remained relatively silent until the nomination forms were announced by the Election Commission for the Baramulla contest.
AIP filed the nomination papers for their jailed leader Abdul Rashid Sheikh on April 29. The party’s officials submitted the nomination papers to the returning officer for the constituency. The Baramulla constituency will hold polls on May 20, during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
An AIP insider revealed that due to a lack of resources and a climate of fear, the party had to reduce its activities since 2019. Nevertheless, some individuals remained in contact with Abrar Rashid, helping him visit his father in Tihar Jail and navigate other challenges.
“After my father’s nomination was accepted, we started the election campaign on May 7th, and I wasn’t expecting such an overwhelming response. We will continue our campaign until May 18,” said Abrar.
“”I expected my father would be released for the election campaign, like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was, but that didn’t happen. This compelled me to shoulder the campaign responsibilities myself. Even though my father kept me and my family away from politics, I am now campaigning for him,” he added.
“Despite having no political experience and with my exams approaching, our father’s detention forced us to start an election campaign for him. Over the last week, many people have joined and encouraged us,” Abrar said.
Rashid’s candidacy has introduced a new dynamic to the competition between NC’s Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone, potentially influencing votes across various assembly segments. From Baramulla to Bandipora, Uri to Gurez, and Sopore to Hajin, areas previously known for separatist movements and election boycotts, Rashid’s campaign caravan has been drawing large crowds. Young voters joined in too, chanting slogans like ‘Jail Ka Badla Vote Sa Lenga’ (We will seek revenge for jail through votes)
With his father imprisoned for five years, the campaign faces significant resource constraints. “Every poster you see has been printed by supporters independently,” Abrar noted. “I have only one car for campaigning, but others contribute their vehicles. We lack funds; it’s the people’s support that sustains us.”
“The vote cast today is for the innocent Engineer Rashid, and it has the power to send him to the Indian parliament and secure his release,” said Abrar.
“Young people from across north Kashmir have joined our cause. They recognize that Rashid fought for everyone and had sympathy for all, which is why he is beloved by the people. He has never done anything wrong,” said a close party member of Engineer Rashid. In the 2019 polls, Rashid garnered over 100,000 votes, narrowly losing to National Conference’s Akbar Lone.
At that time, Rashid, who started his political career in 2008 after resigning from his job as a construction engineer, was supported by bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal’s Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM). However, Faesal has since returned to the civil services, disbanding his party.
“The people are sacrificing from their own pockets to join us, and the youth resonate with our struggles. Even those who have traditionally boycotted elections are standing with us today and will cast their votes,” expressed Abrar.
“I have never voted before, but this time I will vote for Engineer. He is a true leader and will continue to be when freed from jail. No mainstream political party from Kashmir even mentioned him. No one seeks his release. But now people will decide with their votes that Engineer is a true leader,” said 24-year-old Sameer Ahmad from Hajin, Bandipora.
“He represents all Kashmiris who are in jails. He was fighting for each and every issue faced by the people here in Kashmir. He was standing with the people, not the other way around. These are the qualities that a great leader should have. That’s why we will vote for him,” said Saleem Ahmad, a 33-year-old during Abrar’s rally in Bandipora.
“”It’s not often you see a campaign where people chip in their own money to offer water bottles and food items for volunteers supporting Abrar. He travels from one Assembly segment to another, holding a dozen rallies a day, all streamed live on social media platforms,” said Sajad Ahmad, a 34-year-old from Sopore.
Meanwhile, AIP General Secretary Prince Parvez, who is actively involved in the ongoing election campaign, noted the party’s significant support across Kashmir. “Even Engineer’s supporters from south Kashmir are traveling to the north to join his campaign. This trend is unprecedented. It’s rare for people from one constituency to actively participate in another constituency’s campaign for a leader,” he said.
“What compels them to come from there is their love for a true leader who steadfastly believes in the Constitution of India and operates within its framework,” he said.
Secures Support from Local Influencer And Politicians.
Rashid has successfully garnered support from notable local influencers, including former MLA Shoaib Lone and Irfan Hafeez Lone.
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), led by Ghulam Nabi Azad, has officially announced its support for Engineer Rashid in the North Kashmir Lok Sabha election.
In a press briefing today, Treasurer and North Kashmir Incharge, Taj Mohiuddin, stated, “Er Rashid is innocent, and people want him out of jail. He has always fought for the people’s cause, so this is an injustice.”
Mohiuddin further mentioned that following an appeal from Abrar Rashid to Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, the DPAP has decided to extend its support to Er Rashid. He appealed to voters to support Rashid by voting for the pressure cooker symbol to ensure his victory.
Chief spokesperson Salman Nizami emphasized, “Engineer Rashid has consistently fought for the people. Therefore, we feel it’s important to stand by someone who has made sacrifices.” Nizami also highlighted Ghulam Nabi Azad’s stance on Article 370, stating, “On Article 370, it was only Ghulam Nabi Azad who spoke about it,
while other MPs from both NC and PDP remained silent.”
Rashid’s main rivals include National Conference VP Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference Chief Sajad Gani Lone, and Peoples Democratic Party’s Fayaz Ahmad Mir.
Formerly a close aide of the late Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone, Rashid quit his engineering job and contested the Assembly elections independently in 2008. He founded the Awami-e-Ittihad Party (AIP) in 2014 but contested as an Independent due to his party’s unregistered status with the Election Commission.
Rashid has faced several controversies, including being attacked by BJP lawmakers for hosting a beef party in 2015 and being assaulted with ink at the Press Club of India the same year. He also protested against the BJP’s slogan by hoisting the J&K flag at Srinagar’s Pratap Park.
