INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – The Return of Engineer Rashid As Indian-administered Kashmir prepared for assembly elections earlier this month, a controversial figure returned to the political scene.
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, better known as Engineer Rashid, was released from prison after being detained since 2019 following the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Rashid, a former separatist leader, has now chosen to participate in the democratic process. His Awami Ittehad Party is contesting over 30 seats in the election. His return has sparked debate and controversy, with some seeing him as a potential game-changer in Kashmir’s complex political landscape.
Rashid is known for his fiery speeches and unconventional protests against alleged government excesses. He has been critical of what he calls Delhi’s “heavy-handed” rule in Kashmir. His popularity has grown in recent years, particularly after his victory in the 2019 parliamentary elections while he was in jail.
His release just days before the elections has led to accusations from his rivals that he is colluding with the BJP-led government in Delhi. They claim he is dividing the vote to favor the BJP. Rashid vehemently denies these allegations, arguing that his five years in prison and his strong support base in Kashmir disprove these claims.
Rashid’s political strategy has been to position himself as a “common man’s politician” who is not afraid to challenge authority. He has gained notoriety for his unorthodox protests, such as bringing dogs to the state secretariat to highlight a dog bite issue and hosting a “beef party” to protest a ban on cow slaughter.
His return to the political stage has injected a new level of excitement into the Kashmir elections. While some view him with suspicion, others see him as a potential force for change. The outcome of the elections will reveal whether Rashid can translate his popularity into electoral success and what his role will be in shaping the future of Kashmir.
