Will Jamaat's Entry Topple CPI(M) In Kulgam?

The Kulgam is one among the 24 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, going for polls on September 18. As Communist veteran Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, or MY Tarigami is looking for the fifth consecutive win from the constituency, the presence of strong contenders including the banned religio-political outfit Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Kashmir backed independent candidate makes his electoral battle a tough one.

A total of 11 candidates are in poll fray; aside from Tarigami, the major contenders for the seat include, People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s Mohammad Amin Dar and People’s Conference (PC)’s Nazir Ahmad Laway, Apni Party’s Engineer Mohammad Aqib, and JeI backed Sayyar Ahmad Reshi.

Also Read | Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami: The Communist Face In Jammu And Kashmir

The Kulgam seat is considered as CPI(M) bastion and Tarigami has been representing the seat since 1996. In the upcoming polls, Tarigami will be contesting as part of the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance. Being the only CPI(M) MLA in the Assembly over the time, Tarigami understands the importance of addressing local issues and maintaining his long-established commitment to the Kulgam constituency.

Nazir Ahmad Laway, the People’s Conference (PC) candidate stresses his focus will be on addressing key public issues, especially in the areas of health and education. In two times – in 2008 and 2014 polls, Laway was so close on winning the Kulgam seat. In the 2008 Assembly polls, Laway lost the constituency to CPI (M)’s Mohmad Yousuf Rather by a margin of 236 votes. Similarly, in the 2014 polls, Tarigami won the seat with just 334 votes, underlining how close Laway was and his importance in the constituency. PDP nominated him to the Rajya Sabha; however, before completing his term, the party dismissed him for ‘anti-party’ activities. Laway then joined Sajjad Lone – led PC.

Meanwhile, the PDP has fielded Mohammad Amin Dar and the Apni Party’s Engineer Mohammad Aqib is also contesting from the seat.

Kulgam and Jamaat

Kulgam was once been a stronghold of JeI. In 1972, when Jamaat decided to enter into electoral field for the first time, it won five seats including the Kulgam Assembly segment which was won by the hardline leader Abdul Razak Mir. In 1977, the organisation again participated in the election and in this election it could secure only two seats. During these polls, JeI shared alliance with the BJP’s predecessor, the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. And in the 1987 election, Jamaat and its students’ wing Jamat-e-Tulba contested as part of Muslim United Front (MUF), an alliance of several socio-religion organisations. The alliance could grab only four seats including Kulgam. It underlines the influential presence organisation held in several parts.

All these years JeI stayed away from electoral process, since the inception of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990. But in the forthcoming election, the organisation decided to field some of its former members as independent candidates. Sayar Ahmad Reshi’s contest from Kulgam should be counted as one.

Also Read | Banned Jamaat-e-Islami To Field Independents In Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Polls

A political rally held in Kulgam by banned Jamaat leaders on Sunday, JeI’s first election rally since 1987, extending support and strength to Reshi turned to be massive and well-attended one. While addressing the rally, Reshi said that there was a political vacuum created by regional parties and that needed to be filled. “People are our strength. We are ready to face criticism,” The Hindu quotes as he is saying.

Kulgam, falls under Anantnag parliamentary constituency and the district comprise three constituencies, namely Kulgam, Devsar, and DH Pora.