“The electoral victory, achieved under the most challenging circumstances, underscores
that Er Rashid is not merely a politician but an idea—a powerful vision of what Jammu
and Kashmir’s political landscape could be”
SOHAIL KHAN
In an extraordinary display of democratic resilience, the recent Parliamentary elections in North Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency marked a significant political shift. Er Rashid, who has been languishing in Tihar Jail for nearly five years without a chargesheet, clinched a resounding victory. This triumph, achieved without his physical presence and through a brief 13-day campaign led by his son Abrar Rashid, signifies more than a political win—it heralds the rise of an idea whose time has come.
Er Rashid’s victory is a testament to the deep-rooted connection he shares with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth. Historically disengaged and skeptical of the mainstream political process, the youth came out in droves, swelling voter turnout to an unprecedented 60%. This surge is a direct response to Er Rashid’s consistent advocacy for their rights and his embodiment of their aspirations.
The campaign itself saw unprecedented grassroots support. Participants funded the rallies out of their own pockets, and volunteers created posters and banners with their hard-earned money.
Er Rashid’s party spent a mere 26,000 rupees on the entire campaign. This broke the
long-standing belief that only those with substantial financial resources could win elections, highlighting instead the power of genuine, widespread public support.
From his beginnings as a construction engineer at JKPCC, Er Rashid was distinguished by his integrity and prolific writings. His articles in “Chatan” were powerful indictments against human rights abuses and corruption. Despite facing systemic harassment and torture, Rashid’s commitment to justice propelled him into politics, where he won the Langate assembly constituency twice, shocking the political establishment.
As an MLA, Er Rashid broke the mold of the conventional politician. Rejecting the trappings of power, he shunned security details and government perks, choosing instead to live among the people he served. His choice to educate his son in a government school was a bold statement against the inequality in education, reinforcing his belief that public servants should share the lived experiences of the common man. His simple attire—a kurta pajama and pheran—was a symbol of his deep cultural roots and his solidarity with the ordinary Kashmiri.
Er Rashid’s political journey is characterized by his unwavering stand for human rights and his direct action approach, often joining the people in street protests. His accessibility and grassroots activism won him admiration and support across Jammu and Kashmir. However, his arrest in 2019 under the UAPA by the NIA, and the subsequent silence of mainstream political leaders, seemed to push him to the margins of political discourse.
Yet, the silence of the political elite could not extinguish the fervor he ignited in the hearts of the people. The electoral victory, achieved under the most challenging circumstances, underscores that Er Rashid is not merely a politician but an idea—a powerful vision of what Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape could be. His success is a resounding rejection of VIP culture, dynastic politics, and corruption, and a call for genuine democracy and governance by the people, for the people.
Er Rashid’s impact extends far beyond his electoral achievements. He is a statesman whose ideals resonate deeply with the youth and the disenfranchised. By re-engaging the youth with the democratic process, he has accomplished what no other political leader in the region has managed in decades. His ability to inspire and mobilize young voters reflects a profound shift towards a more participatory and hopeful political future for Jammu and Kashmir.
In a region fraught with political instability and disenchantment, Er Rashid’s vision provides a beacon of hope. His journey from a principled engineer to a symbol of democratic resilience illustrates the transformative power of steadfast commitment to justice and equality. His story is not just one of personal endurance but a compelling argument for the kind of leadership Jammu and Kashmir desperately needs.
Er Rashid represents an idea—an idea that transcends traditional politics and offers a new paradigm of leadership. His commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and grassroots activism is precisely what is needed to navigate the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. In Er Rashid, the people see not just a leader, but a visionary statesman whose ideals and actions speak to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Sohail khan is a Socio-Political Activist & associated with J&k RTI Movement
