Arshed Khan
As the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections draw near, the newly formed alliance between Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir has the potential to reshape the region’s political dynamics. This coalition brings together populism, religious influence, and a shared demand for greater Kashmiri autonomy, offering an alternative to the well-established political forces that have long dominated the area. However, its success in challenging the status quo will depend on how effectively it manages internal ideological differences, external challenges, and the polarized political environment.
Engineer Rashid, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, has consistently advocated for the rights of ordinary Kashmiris. His party, AIP, has earned support by focusing on issues like human rights, political autonomy, and local governance. Rashid’s appeal particularly resonates with younger Kashmiris, who feel disillusioned with traditional political actors. On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir, deeply embedded in the region’s religious and social fabric, has faced government scrutiny due to its alleged links to separatist groups. Despite this, it remains influential, especially in rural areas. By partnering with AIP, Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to position itself as a legitimate player in mainstream electoral politics, tapping into both religious and political aspirations of the people.
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has long been dominated by parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, which have faced growing dissatisfaction over the years. Many voters believe these parties have compromised on key issues such as autonomy, human rights, and development. The alliance between AIP and Jamaat-e-Islami could disrupt this long-standing dominance by offering a fresh alternative to disillusioned voters. The partnership presents an opportunity for both parties to expand their reach. AIP’s populist agenda, focused on governance and economic justice, combined with Jamaat-e-Islami’s religious influence, could form a broad-based electoral coalition. Their shared opposition to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, is likely to attract support from those who feel marginalized by recent political developments.
However, one of the key challenges facing this alliance is reconciling the ideological differences between AIP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Engineer Rashid’s political rhetoric is often centered on secular issues like corruption, unemployment, and governance, which may clash with Jamaat-e-Islami’s focus on Islamic values and religious governance. Balancing these two approaches will be crucial for the coalition’s success. AIP’s urban, youth-driven support base may not fully align with Jamaat-e-Islami’s more conservative, rural followers. But if they can find common ground on issues such as autonomy, governance, and the future of Kashmir, the alliance could become a formidable political force.
Another significant challenge the AIP-Jamaat alliance faces is the highly polarized political environment in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the revocation of Article 370, the region has been marked by political instability, an increased military presence, and heightened tensions. The central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has pushed for greater integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union while cracking down on dissent. In this context, the AIP-Jamaat alliance is likely to encounter resistance from both the central government and pro-India political parties. The BJP, in particular, may perceive this coalition as a threat to its national unity narrative, given Jamaat-e-Islami’s past associations with separatist movements. Legal actions or restrictions on political activities may be employed under the banner of national security.
Despite these challenges, the alliance has a unique opportunity to capitalize on widespread disillusionment with the traditional political order. Its focus on autonomy, self-determination, and criticism of governance failures may resonate with voters seeking a viable alternative. However, the success of the alliance will largely depend on its ability to maintain a united front and navigate its internal differences. Both Engineer Rashid and Jamaat-e-Islami will need to clearly articulate a vision that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters while maintaining their distinct political identities. If they can strike this balance, the alliance could emerge as a strong contender in the 2024 elections, challenging both regional parties and the central government’s influence.
The alliance between Engineer Rashid’s AIP and Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir represents a bold experiment in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. By uniting populism with religious influence and advocating for Kashmiri autonomy, the coalition has the potential to disrupt the region’s political landscape and offer a significant alternative to both traditional parties and Indian nationalist forces. However, the alliance’s success will depend on its ability to overcome substantial internal and external challenges. If it can do so, this coalition may become a transformative force in the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s politics.
