SRINAGAR: In anticipation of gthe assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Abdul Rasheed Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rasheed, is likely to be transferred from Tihar Jail to Srinagar Central Jail after five years in custody on terror funding charges. His transfer follows a stunning electoral victory in the 2024 Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, where he defeated high-profile opponents, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, despite campaigning from behind bars.
Though not confirmed officially, reports suggest that after he is shifted to Srinagar, he may likely get parole and might be permitted to campaign during the upcoming three-phase elections. Rasheed had taken oath as a Lok Sabha member on court orders. He was a member of the erstwhile legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir before being elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
Rasheed’s Lok Sabha campaign, led by his sons, captured public attention as they rallied voters with calls to support their father as a symbol of protest against his prolonged imprisonment. His victory by more than four lakh votes has not only underscored his enduring influence in Jammu and Kashmir but also marked a significant turning point in the region’s political landscape. With limited financial backing and an absence of a traditional political machine, Rasheed’s grassroots movement successfully mobilised widespread support, highlighting a deep undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the mainstream political establishment.
As Rasheed waits for his transfer to Srinagar Central Jail, there are indications he may soon be granted parole, allowing him to participate more fully in his parliamentary responsibilities. Earlier, on July 5, 2024, he took his oath of office during a brief two-hour parole granted by a Delhi court, marking his formal entry into the Indian Parliament despite his ongoing legal troubles.
His anticipated transfer taking place at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is slated to have the first assembly election after 10 years also indicates that his Awami Itehad Party may be a major contesting party. How will his shifting to Srinagar impact the campaigning remains to be seen.
However, Rasheed’s path forward is fraught with challenges. The Election Commission of India has flagged inconsistencies in his campaign expenditure reports. He has been asked to respond to these discrepancies, with the possibility of disqualification looming if he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation. This legal scrutiny adds to the complexities of his political career, which has already been heavily influenced by his legal battles and incarceration.
For many in Jammu and Kashmir, Rashid’s victory symbolises not just a political shift but also a statement of defiance against what some perceive as unjust legal and political systems. His supporters see his election as a vindication of his long-standing advocacy for the rights of the people of Kashmir, while critics warn that his success could embolden separatist elements in the region.