Meet Abdul Rashid Sheikh; Independent candidate who defeted Omar Abdullah by over 2 lakh votes

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is set for a remarkable victory over former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Rashid, running as an independent candidate, is one of only six independent candidates across India to achieve such success in the Lok Sabha elections. His victory is particularly important given that nearly half of over 8,000 candidates ran without any party affiliation.

Omar Abdullah concedes defeat

Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC), has acknowledged Rashid's victory. In a tweet, Abdullah congratulated Engineer Rashid and recognized the choice of the voters. Despite expressing concerns about Rashid's imprisonment and its implications for North Kashmir's representation, Abdullah respected the democratic process and the clear decision of the electorate.

What the election numbers?

Sheikh Abdul Rashid is leading by an impressive margin of 2,04,142 votes over Omar Abdullah, as per the latest data from the Election Commission. This substantial lead underscores Rashid's strong support base in the region and the voters' trust in his leadership.

Who is Sheikh Abdul Rashid?

Abdul Rashid is the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party. He has made a name for himself in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir through his dedication and independent stance.

Two-time MLA

Rashid served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Langate constituency, winning elections in 2008 and 2014. His success in these elections as an independent candidate highlighted his popularity and effectiveness as a leader.

From engineer to politician

Known as Engineer Rashid, his journey into politics began in 2008 after resigning from his job as a construction engineer. His entry into the political arena was marked by a swift and successful campaign that saw him win the Langate constituency after just 17 days of campaigning.

Imprisonment in Tihar Jail

Currently, Engineer Rashid is incarcerated in Delhi's Tihar Jail, facing charges in a terror-funding case. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, making him the first recognized leader to be detained under this law. Despite these challenges, Rashid's influence and popularity have remained strong, as evidenced by his election victory.

Campaign led by his sons

Rashid's election campaign was spearheaded by his two sons, Asrar Rashid and Abrar Rashid. They played a crucial role in mobilizing support and leading the campaign efforts. Their confidence in their father's victory was reflected in the large crowds at their rallies, demonstrating the substantial support for Rashid in North Kashmir.