In the heart of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam constituency, a significant electoral battle is unfolding with Sayar Ahmad Reshi, a former Jamaat-E-Islami (JEI) member, making headlines as he contests the 2024 assembly elections. Despite the ongoing ban on JEI, Reshi is leveraging his party’s legacy of social and educational contributions to campaign against entrenched political entities.
Reshi, representing a break from the norm in an area traditionally dominated by the National Conference (NC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), aims to bring a fresh perspective to Kulgam. The region, known for its notable voter engagement—56.5% turnout in the 2014 Assembly elections—has been a battleground of shifting political dynamics, with JEI having previously boycotted elections for three decades.
The Kulgam assembly election has been marked by Reshi’s assertive campaign, which emphasizes his commitment to democratic values and his party’s history of promoting peace and educational reform. He argues that the JEI’s focus on social betterment, including efforts to combat drug abuse and support democratic institutions, has been overshadowed by political rivalries that have led to their exclusion from the electoral process.
Reshi’s campaign has seen unprecedented support from local voters, a sharp contrast to the minimal presence of major opposition figures like the NC and PDP in the region. Notably, CPI(M)’s senior leader, Mr. Tarigami, has been a formidable opponent, having addressed ten rallies in a single day. His dominance in previous elections, where he won four consecutive terms since 1996, faces a serious challenge this time.
Reshi’s rising prominence in Kulgam underscores a broader aspiration to lift the JEI ban, enabling them to field more candidates and potentially influence the formation of a more inclusive government in the future. As he rallies support from the masses, Reshi has expressed optimism about his campaign’s success, attributing his confidence to the overwhelming public backing he has received.
With an energized electorate and a strong local response, the Kulgam constituency is witnessing a dynamic shift that could redefine its political landscape. As the election approaches, all eyes are on Reshi and his ability to challenge the longstanding political dominance of established parties in Jammu and Kashmir.