A Battle of Ideologies Unfolds
Suhail Khan
BARAMULLA, Sept 26: Dr. Kaleemullah Lone, an independent candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI), has declared that the 1987 electoral defeat in Langate will be avenged in this year’s Assembly elections.
Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Despatch, Dr. Lone positioned this contest as a defining moment in Langate’s political history, emphasizing that it represents a clash of ideologies between himself and his political rival, Er. Rashid.
Reflecting on the constituency’s importance, Dr. Lone reminded voters of the dramatic events of 1987, when JEI-supported candidates were strong contenders but were ultimately defeated in controversial circumstances. “The ’87 defeat is a scar that we intend to heal through this election,” he declared. Langate, once a hotbed of political tension, gained renewed attention when Er. Rashid, currently Baramulla’s Parliamentarian, rose to prominence after being jailed. Rashid’s victory in the Lok Sabha polls has kept Langate in the spotlight, but Dr. Lone is confident that this Assembly election will bring JEI back to the forefront.
Dr. Lone made it clear that Langate is not merely a political contest—it is a battleground of ideologies. He views Er. Rashid as his chief rival, but several other political parties are also competing to shape the future of this strategically important constituency. “It’s not just about one party. The entire spectrum of political ideologies is in play here,” Dr. Lone explained. He also noted that, despite the competition, he has no alliances with any political party and is running an independent campaign with JEI’s endorsement.
Though Jamaat-e-Islami remains officially banned, its presence is felt in Langate. Dr. Lone acknowledged that the party’s ban has not deterred its determination to play a role in local politics. “Jamaat has chosen to back around 10 independent candidates in these elections, including me. The ban didn’t stop us; it just made our resolve stronger,” he stated.
Dr. Lone dismissed concerns over the absence of JEI’s party cadre in his campaign rallies, assuring that the entire cadre is active and fully supportive of his bid. “There’s no corner of Langate where I don’t have support,” he said confidently, brushing off claims that the ban has weakened their presence.
The independent candidate also addressed the opposition’s tactics, accusing rival parties of attempting to scare Jamaat-e-Islami’s cadre and shift their vote bank to mainstream political groups. “The opposition is trying hard to manipulate the Jamaat voters, hoping that they’ll abandon us and align with a mainstream party. Their efforts show just how frustrated and scared they are,” he remarked. According to Dr. Lone, this anxiety stems from fears that if the JEI cadre remains mobilized, it could upend the established political order in Langate.
Despite the obstacles, Dr. Lone remains confident of victory in Langate, vowing to restore JEI’s position in the constituency and settle the ideological battle that has been brewing since 1987. “This election is our chance to right the wrongs of the past and assert our rightful place in Langate’s political landscape,” he concluded.
With the stakes higher than ever, Langate’s Assembly election has become a focal point in Kashmir’s political scene, drawing attention not just for its historical significance but for the intense ideological contest it represents.
