Jamaat-e-Islami eyes political comeback, May support Engineer Rashid in J&K elections

Jamaat-e-Islami eyes political comeback, May support Engineer Rashid in J&K elections

Srinagar, Sep 14 (KB): Ghulam Qadir Wani, former chief of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, has given a possible signal of support to Engineer Rashid in the coming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

“We are thinking of providing support in some seats to him. We will do that only if he needs our support,” hinted Wani, ex-chief of the banned Jammat-e-Islami regarding giving support to leading political figure and ex-MLA from Langate, Engineer Rashid.

Despite being a proscribed outfit, Jamaat-e-Islami has declared that it would put up candidates on 10 seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Bruised by the government crackdown for its alleged links with separatist movements, the Islamic organization now tries to regain some political relevance. Wani exuded confidence in their chances, saying the party hopes to win at least five seats.

This alliance between Jamaat-e-Islami and Engineer Rashid, for one, can do greater damage to change the electoral landscape in Kashmir.

Rashid is known for his no-holds-barred stance on regional autonomy and is unequivocal in his criticism of policies set forth by the ruling central government.

He enjoys a strong base of support, especially in north Kashmir. The extended backing of Jamaat might consolidate votes for him in key constituencies against other candidates.

Many political analysts are worried that the participation of the Jamaat-e-Islami in these elections, even through independent candidates or through smaller political groups, is a cause for apprehension.

Long-range accusations against the organization for its radical ideologies, though claimed to be purely socio-political in nature by the group, are clearly not so.

The coming elections are naturally going to be contentious, as many different political parties and independent leaders will contest in the post-Article 370 scenario.

Much significance will be attached to the possible alliance between Engineer Rashid and the Jamaat-e-Islami because, if that occurs, it might reshape the strategies of other political players in the region.

With the election at hand, alliances and political partnerships remain fluid, which makes this race one of the most unpredictable in Jammu and Kashmir’s recent history.— (KB)