Shehla Rashid, previously known for sympathizing with stone pelters in Kashmir and being associated with the controversial “Tukde Tukde gang,” has significantly altered her stance. After observing the conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hamas, Rashid expressed relief about the situation in India, specifically in Kashmir. She credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for bringing peace to the region.
Her recent statements, consistently supportive of the Modi government, have sparked speculation about her political intentions. Some wonder if she’s considering joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or if she’s being groomed for a significant political role in Jammu and Kashmir. This shift in Rashid’s views is notable given her previous opposition to the BJP, including her stance against the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The context includes the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, where the last assembly elections were held in 2014. Rashid, along with Shah Faesal, formed the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement party, but due to the lack of elections, their political activities were limited. Faesal’s return to administrative service left Rashid politically isolated.
This evolution in Rashid’s political views coincides with the BJP’s search for a prominent Muslim figure in Jammu and Kashmir to counter leaders like Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP. The BJP’s previous alliance with the PDP ended due to disagreements over various issues, including AFSPA, Article 35A, and the Kathua gangrape case investigation. Rashid’s new position as a Modi supporter may align with the BJP’s political strategies in the region.
Shehla Rashid, formerly known for her strong opposition to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently shifted her perspective and become a supporter. She has expressed admiration for Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, particularly for their handling of the situation in Kashmir. Rashid highlighted that unlike Gaza, Kashmir has seen a non-violent political solution under the Modi government, leading to improvements in human rights and a decrease in militancy and infiltration.
In a podcast interview with ANI’s editor Smita Prakash, Rashid praised the government’s work in Kashmir. She acknowledged her past sympathy for stone pelters in 2010 but now appreciates the transformed situation.
Rashid also reflected on an incident at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which impacted her, Umar Khalid, and Kanhaiya Kumar. She clarified that they did not raise divisive slogans, instead sticking to traditional ones like “Lal Salaam.”
She further noted that by August 2023, she recognized the improved human rights conditions in Kashmir, leading her to support the government’s stance. Rashid had initially opposed the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, even signing a petition against it. However, she withdrew her opposition in August, acknowledging the positive changes in the region.
Shehla Rashid, who was once a vocal critic of Prime Minister Modi, has undergone a notable political transformation. After her political ally Shah Faesal returned to administrative service, Rashid was left to navigate the political landscape alone. This shift led her to become a strong supporter of Modi, a significant change from her previous stance.
The BJP, post its split with the PDP over disagreements on several issues like AFSPA, Article 35A, separatist arrests, and the Kathua rape case investigation, has been searching for a prominent Muslim representative in Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid, with her strong oratory skills and leadership qualities honed in JNU, where she emerged as a student leader, appears to fit this role. Her involvement in organizing protests during the 2016 JNU crisis further established her as a formidable figure.
Rashid’s opposition to the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and her effectiveness as a student leader have made her a notable figure in the political landscape. With the BJP yet to find another Muslim figure of her stature, Rashid’s changing tone towards Modi and the BJP raises questions. Is she being positioned as the Muslim face of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir? Could she potentially become the Chief Minister if she wins an election on a BJP ticket? These questions are creating a buzz in the political circles of India and Jammu and Kashmir, with answers expected to unfold by 2024.
