In a major political development, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by Lok Sabha member Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, has entered into a strategic alliance with former members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The alliance is seen as a significant move, given the prominent role both parties have played in the region’s political landscape.
A joint meeting between the two groups took place recently, with AIP represented by its supremo Sheikh Abdul Rashid and chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, and the JEI delegation led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. According to an AIP statement reaching The Chenab Times, several prominent figures from Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the discussions, signaling the importance of the alliance.
Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir has been banned by the Union Home Ministry since 2019, with the ban extended for another five years earlier this year. Despite the restrictions, several key leaders of JEI are expected to contest the assembly polls as independent candidates.
The AIP spokesperson stated that both sides agreed to collaborate in the interest of securing strong representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The goal is to secure a resounding victory for AIP and JEI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations,” the spokesperson said.
Mutual Support and “Friendly Contests”
The alliance includes a pact in which AIP will support JEI-backed candidates in the constituencies of Kulgam and Pulwama, while JEI will extend support to AIP candidates across Kashmir. In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, including Langate, Devsar, and Zainapora, the two parties have agreed to hold “friendly contests.”
In other constituencies, the alliance will ensure mutual backing to unify their approach to the elections. This strategic coordination is expected to boost the chances of both parties and provide a cohesive platform for their supporters.
Shared Vision for Kashmir
Both AIP and JEI underscored the importance of unity in resolving the longstanding Kashmir issue and promoting peace and stability in the region. They emphasized the rapidly shifting political landscape, both within Jammu and Kashmir and internationally, and the need for active engagement.
“The leadership of both AIP and JEI has called upon their respective cadres to spread the message of support for each other’s candidates in line with the agreement,” the spokesperson said, adding that the alliance aims to deliver strong representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the region gears up for the assembly elections, the newly formed alliance between AIP and JEI is expected to have a significant impact on the political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape in key constituencies.
The collaboration between the Awami Ittehad Party and former members of Jamaat-e-Islami represents a strategic effort to secure broader electoral support in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Both parties are positioning themselves as key political players with a shared vision for addressing the aspirations of the region’s people. With this alliance, AIP and JEI hope to strengthen their presence and influence in the political future of Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
