The contest in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections seems to be multi-cornered, but BJP can get direct benefit from it. On one hand, BJP is considering itself strong in Jammu, while on the other hand, the impact of Rashid Engineer in the Kashmir Valley can give a shock to Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. Rashid Engineer defeated Omar Abdullah from Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections. His victory was so big that he got the lead in 12 out of 15 seats in Baramulla. It was then clear that only BJP is likely to win the Lok Sabha elections. Even after this, Rashid Engineer got such a big victory.
Now local equations will dominate the assembly elections. In such a situation, there is talk of Rashid Engineer emerging stronger. It is being said that Rashid Engineer has influence on at least 35 seats. Now he has become stronger because his Awami Ittehad Party has also formed an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. Both say that we have entered the field for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and are coming together. Rashid Engineer’s party is contesting on 30 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami has decided to field candidates on 10 seats. In this way, both the parties can prove to be a tension for Omar and Mehbooba on 40 seats.
Engineer and Jamaat say that we are fighting to end the problems of the people of Kashmir. If we win, then it will be a victory for the valley. On one hand, parties like National Conference are accusing Rashid of being a BJP supporter, while Engineer says that there is nothing like that. On the contrary, he is accusing that Mehbooba Mufti has even formed a government with the BJP. The main fight in Jammu is believed to be between the BJP and the Congress. After the removal of Article 370 and 35A, the BJP is considering itself strong here. In such a situation, Omar, Congress and Mehbooba had hope from the valley.
Now Rashid Engineer can change the whole scene here. If Rashid’s influence harms Omar and Mehbooba Mufti in the valley, then BJP can hope for a majority. Actually there are 43 seats in Jammu and 47 seats are in Kashmir division. There are chances of more division in these 47 seats, while only two poles are visible in Jammu. Due to this, BJP is hopeful that if votes are divided in Kashmir, then it can get big success only on the strength of Jammu.