The entry of jailed leader Er. Rasheed into the electoral fray has undoubtedly added a new and intriguing dimension to the upcoming parliamentary constituency election in the Baramulla seat.
Based on the ground survey conducted by The Web Story/The Varmul Post team, it appears that Er. Rasheed’s candidacy is generating significant momentum and support, particularly among the younger generation in parts of the Baramulla district.
The endorsement of DPAP leader Shoiab Nabi Lone, followed by the number of activists and social workers from across Kashmir rallying behind Er. Rasheed, suggests that his candidacy is resonating with a sizable segment of the electorate. This could potentially translate into a division of the traditional vote banks of the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Conference (PC) in the northern region.
One of the key findings from the ground survey is the uncertainty among a considerable number of young voters regarding their voting preferences. However, the burgeoning wave of support for Er. Rasheed appears to be a cause of concern for the NC, as it indicates the potential for a significant erosion of their vote share in parts of the Baramulla district.
The survey also reveals that Er. Rasheed’s candidacy is likely to play a crucial role in dividing the NC’s vote bank in the northern region.
The survey suggests that his presence in the fray can undoubtedly damage the electoral prospects of both the NC and PC to some extent.
The fight for the parliamentary constituency seat is shaping up to be a highly competitive and closely contested affair, with the jailed leader’s candidacy adding an unexpected and intriguing dynamic to the political landscape.
Pertinently, Er Rashid as an Independent candidate has surprised everyone with his splendid performance in the parliamentary elections of 2019. He secured 102168 votes and rose to no. 3 position in Baramulla, trailing by just 1025 votes to Peoples Conference candidate Raja Ajaz Ali who got 103193 votes. The total vote share Rashid obtained is 22.4 percent while the PC candidate’s vote share was 22.88 percent.
Rashid, who heads the Awami Itihad Party constituted in2013, participated first time in the assembly elections as an independent candidate in 2008. Rashid has represented Langate assembly constituency severaltimes.
