Sparking Record Turnout in North Kashmir

Between Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone, former MLA Er Rasheed burst onto the scene like a bombshell, shaking the two main political parties, NC and PC, in an unexpected turn of events. At the commencement of the parliamentary elections, North Kashmir heated up when Omar filed his nomination for the Baramulla parliamentary seat, positioning himself against Sajad Lone, who was anticipated to be the only contender.

Generally, it was anticipated that both political parties were in strong positions, the NC due to Omar's status as former CM and vice president of the party, and the PC because of Sajad Lone's role as Chairman PC. However, when Er Rasheed's candidacy was accepted by the Election Commission of India, the dynamics changed abruptly. The parties, who had been confidently counting votes and celebrating an anticipated victory, were suddenly faced with a significant challenge, creating a dramatic U-turn in the political landscape of North Kashmir.

The election gained momentum when the elderly parents and two sons of jailed Er Rasheed took to the streets with the election slogan "Jail Ka Badla Vote see, Tihar Ka Badla Vote See." Their tears and persistent struggle through physical rallies and social media campaigns created a wave of sentimental politics, significantly altering the political landscape in North Kashmir. This unexpected turn of events caught the leaders of NC and PC off guard, as they had not anticipated such a strong emotional response from the electorate.

The rolling cameras, the recording of rallies, the shouting on the roads, and the loudspeakers blaring,  all contributed to energizing the campaign. This pushed Omar Abdullah and PC leader Sajad Lone to focus on their grassroots efforts. Er Rasheed's two young sons, Abrar Rashid and Asrar Rashid, left their colleges to start campaigning, showing both cause and sentiment. This mobilized the young generation in North Kashmir, many of whom had never voted before, to come out in support of Er Rasheed through social media and active election campaigning.

The normal voter turnout was expected to be low, as observed in previous parliamentary elections, with minimal participation from the youth. However, it was the sons of Er Rasheed who rallied them for support, evoking strong emotions and gaining their backing. This is a typical example of the shifting dynamics and new challenges in politics. Winning or losing is part of the political process, but what truly matters is the exercise of democratic rights and the belief in democracy and fundamental rights for every individual. This has been fully demonstrated by the family of Er Rasheed. His participation in the electoral process is a victory for democracy.

What is historically new in the last 32 years in Kashmir is the anticipation and execution of new momentum in the electoral process. This momentum was driven by Er Rasheed, who, despite being jailed, made this election historic by infusing it with energy and enthusiasm. His participation motivated stone-pelters to vote, persuaded Hurriyat-influenced and boycotting villages to participate, and brought in non-voters who had never voted before. This created confusion among the major political parties.

The emotional polarization generated by his campaign created a wave of support for Er Rasheed, who is very popular both inside and outside the assembly floor. A closer look at his rallies reveals an outpouring of youthful anger and fervor. The anger observed went viral across various social media platforms, whether it was in favor of Er Rasheed's release or against post-abrogation decisions. Those who vocally participated in Rasheed's rallies should be noted because many of the young and old participants in the electoral process were either stone-pelters, or habitual boycotters of elections. They united under a single manifesto the release of jailed Er Rasheed, with no developmental plans.

Er Rasheed has been a vocal supporter of plebiscite, whereas the Centre claims that post-abrogation has brought peace and prosperity. However, it remains to be seen how Er Rasheed will fit into the changing political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, given that his vote is largely inspired by his political stance on the Kashmir issue. Meanwhile, Er Rasheed’s son, who believes in democracy, is expected to embrace democratic values going forward.