In a surprising turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) vice-president Omar Abdullah is trailing by 46,225 votes in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency against independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh. This election marks the first Lok Sabha poll in the region following the abrogation of Article 370.
Abdullah, a prominent political figure and former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, is engaged in a fierce triangular contest for the Baramulla seat. His opponents include separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Gani Lone and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a former MLA currently detained in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In the first 2.30 hours of vote counting, according to the Election Commission of India, Abdullah's fellow former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), was trailing in her Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Mufti is behind by over 88,198 votes against Mian Altaf Ahmad of the National Conference.
Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail due to a terror-funding case. A former two-time MLA and the head of the Awami Ittehad Party, Rashid is competing as an independent candidate. Despite his detention, Rashid's election campaign was led by his two sons, Abrar and Asrar Rashid, who remained confident that the large crowds at rallies would translate into votes, potentially leading to their father's release.
Rashid, who won the Langate assembly segment in 2008 and 2014, previously contested the 2019 parliamentary elections but was unsuccessful. His current lead in Baramulla highlights the complex and evolving political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
Political Landscape Post-Article 370
This Lok Sabha election is the first since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. The results are being closely watched as they will indicate the public's sentiment and the political shifts in the region post-abrogation.
As the counting progresses, all eyes remain on Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri to see if Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti can turn the tide or if independent candidates like Abdul Rashid will redefine the political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.
