Despite the National Conference (NC) winning all-important two out of three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir Valley, the defeat of party Vice-President Omar Abdullah in North Kashmir seems to have cast a shadow over celebrations of wins by Mian Altaf Larvi in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency and Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.
No festive decorations were put up at the NC headquarters in Nawai Subh, the subdued celebrations in every way undermining the hard work put in by Mian Altaf and Mehdi to secure victory.
The problem with the NC is that Chairman Farooq Abdullah and Omar’s stature overshadows the rest, because of which candidates are not being given their due.
It could be time for the NC to build up its second rung leaders – something they deserve on their own right.
Mian Altaf Larvi, a Gujjar spiritual leader, has garnered substantial support from the Gujjar community in Rajouri and Poonch, with votes from the Congress and CPM in the Valley being transferred to him in the Lok Sabha elections.
Initially reluctant to contest because of health reasons, he had been convinced by Omar Abdullah to fight on behalf of the party because of his influence over his community.
Mehdi, a former cabinet minister and thrice-elected member of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, has built aconnect with people of the Valley because of his soft-spoken demeanour and humility.
He advocates peace, development, and the restoration of Article 370 and statehood.
One of the positive aspects of his leadership is his consistent narrative and stance on Article 370, and 35A. A prominent Shia leader who also addressed majority of Sunni Muslims in his campaigns, he believes election results will give him the opportunity to reclaim the lost space and political pride of Kashmiris.
Omar Abdullah was defeated by an incarcerated leader running independently for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid.
Conceding defeat, Omar Abdullah wrote on his X handle, “I think it’s time to accept the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his victory in North Kashmir.”
On Wednesday evening, the party in a statement asserted that both Farooq and Omar Abdullah remain a formidable force, unwaveringly standing "for the people, by the people, and of the people.
“We commend our party workers and cadre for their tireless dedication and unwavering spirit that led us to a significant victory in the elections,” the statement read.
The party underscored that this success was a result of the hard work, dedication, and unity of every one of their party members, as well as their relentless effort, commitment, and perseverance.
“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we aim to fulfil the aspirations of our people at every level from the very beginning,” the Abdullahs stated.
“This victory is not just ours but belongs to every citizen of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, every supporter, every voter, and each one of our unsung heroes who ensured our flag remains raised high,” they added.
The time is right for both of them to publicly repose faith on their candidates who have proved their mettle in the political arena – celebrate in earnest and let Mian Altaf and Mehdi carry the voice of Kashmiris to Parliament.
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