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The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) assembly elections are set to witness a crucial development with the formation of a pre-poll alliance between Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). This alliance, announced after a joint meeting of leaders from both parties on Sunday, September 16th, could significantly impact the electoral landscape and pose challenges for established political parties like the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC).
Engineer Rashid, the Baramulla MP who recently secured bail from jail for the elections, has pledged to fight for a resolution to the Kashmir issue. His AIP, known for its strong base in north Kashmir, has entered into this alliance with JeI, a banned organization that holds a significant presence in south Kashmir. The alliance aims to support each other's candidates across different constituencies. The statement from the alliance suggests a 'friendly contest' in areas where both AIP and JeI have fielded candidates, indicating a strategy to maximize their collective influence.
The alliance's implications for the PDP and NC are significant. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, has historically benefited from the support base of Jamaat-e-Islami. In past elections, members of JeI often voted for the PDP, particularly in their stronghold of south Kashmir. This alliance, however, could drastically change the political dynamics, potentially impacting the PDP's voter base in both south and other regions of the valley.
For the NC, the concern arises from the possibility of Jamaat fully aligning with Rashid's party, which enjoys strong support in north Kashmir. If the two parties manage to effectively transfer their votes to each other, it could lead to a considerable challenge for the NC's electoral prospects. The NC, traditionally considered a strong force in north Kashmir, might face a significant fight for votes in this region.
This alliance represents a complex political maneuver, with the potential to reshape the political landscape of J&K. The PDP and NC will have to strategize effectively to counter the combined force of AIP and JeI. The election outcome will likely be influenced by how voters respond to this unexpected alliance, especially given the historical significance of JeI's support base and the influence of Engineer Rashid in north Kashmir. The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, with this alliance adding an extra layer of intrigue and uncertainty to the electoral process.