Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as “Engineer Rashid,” is a unique political figure from Jammu and Kashmir, currently serving as the Member of Parliament for the Baramulla constituency. Born on 19 August 1967 in Langate, he holds a degree in civil engineering and spent over a decade working as an engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation. His entry into politics was marked by his independence from established political dynasties, positioning himself as a grassroots leader who directly addresses the “pain” of the common people. He founded the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), which advocates for the socio-political rights of the Kashmiri people. Rashid first gained attention for his electoral success as an independent candidate, winning the Langate assembly seat in 2008 and retaining it in 2014. His political style is high-energy and often confrontational, known for his provocative speeches and symbolic protests, such as hosting beef parties in the state assembly to protest the beef ban, which led to high-profile scuffles with other legislators. His journey has been fraught with legal challenges; he was arrested in August 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on charges related to terror funding. In a significant electoral development, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Tihar Jail and achieved a landmark victory by defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency. His win highlighted a strong undercurrent of public sentiment and his deep-seated connection with the electorate despite his incarceration. Rashid remains a polarising yet pivotal character in Kashmiri politics, seen by his supporters as a champion of the marginalized and by his critics as a divisive figure. His work revolves around the core themes of political dignity, local development, and the long-standing resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Education
Political Journey
Positions Held
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2008 - 2014Member of Legislative Assembly (Langate)
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2024 - PresentMember of Parliament (Baramulla)
Election History
| Election | Constituency | Year | Result | Votes | Vote % | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha | Baramulla | 2024 | Won | 472681 | 32.20% | 2,04,142 |
Assets & Liabilities (As per recent Affidavit)
Major Policies & Initiatives
- Political Dignity: To advocate for political dignity for the people of Kashmir
- Local Development: To promote local development and infrastructure
- Resolution of Kashmir Issue: To work towards a long-standing resolution of the Kashmir issue