The abrogation of Article 370 not only impacted the politics of Jammu and Kashmir but also affected the people. As a result, individuals from various walks of life are entering the political arena, trying their luck in the elections and pitching themselves as alternatives to legacy politicians, like Sheikh Ashiq, former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI). After being associated with the KCCI for 15 years, Ashiq has joined the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), led by Abdul Rashid Sheikh, better known as Engineer Rashid. Rashid had contested the Lok Sabha polls from jail and defeated National Conference (NC) heavyweight Omar Abdullah from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency.
The AIP has now fielded Ashiq from the Ganderbal assembly segment against Omar Abdullah.
Ashiq told THE WEEK that he joined politics because traditional parties have failed to deliver and safeguard the interests of the people post-Article 370.
“When Article 370 was removed, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) claimed they would preserve the honour and dignity of the people,” he said. “As Kashmiris, we had faith in them, but as the elections approached, PAGD fell apart.”
The PAGD, also called the Gupkar Alliance, was formed by regional parties under the leadership of NC patron Farooq Abdullah for the defence and restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The former KCCI president said his decision to join politics was motivated by the political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir following the reading down of Article 370 by the BJP government at the Centre.
“I thought people’s voices needed to be heard and grievances addressed,” he said. “I found AIP was the only party that enjoyed the trust of the people and had no baggage.”
He likened his decision to join politics to a sudden fire that needed to be doused to prevent its spread.
“If there is a fire, you don’t need qualifications to put it out,” he said. “You just step forward and douse the fire.” Similarly, he said, when the political situation in Kashmir worsened after the removal of Article 370, he decided to step in for the sake of the people.
“I found Engineer Rashid to be the right person to join,” he said. “He is the voice of the voiceless.”
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He said the AIP would put the interests of the people ahead of the party if given the mandate. He further added that the elections have generated hope that the situation will improve and the environment of suffocation will end.
“People will have the opportunity to elect their representatives, get their issues resolved, and work towards positive change, regardless of winning or losing,” he said.
“A lot needs to be done in my constituency, Ganderbal, which is just 15 km from Srinagar,” he said. “It is my dream to serve the people of my district. But how will the elections help the people when power lies with the Lieutenant Governor? That’s why it's crucial to elect the right person and the right party,” he said.
“In the coming days, the AIP will receive a strong mandate, and Engineer Rashid’s mission will succeed.”
He said people will have no choice but to support AIP. “Things will become clear within a month,” he said, adding that the AIP will not align with the BJP or any other party.
“Our strength and hope is the youth of Kashmir,” he said. “Wherever we go, we receive support, like in south Kashmir.” On the challenge of facing Omar Abdullah in Ganderbal, he said, “I am aware of the challenge, but I hope they will elect me.”
He hoped that the elections would positively impact business. “The elected representatives will address the problems of their supporters and work towards solving them,” he said.
