JeI Panel Head rules out any differences in the outfit
Srinagar: Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), a historically robust cadre-based political and ideological force in Jammu and Kashmir, is allegedly grappling with an unprecedented internal crisis over its re-entry in elections after decades.
Sources told the news agency CNS that the party, long renowned for its unified approach and strict adherence to its ideological principles, has fractured into two rival factions, to reshape the political landscape of South Kashmir.
“At the heart of the divide is a heated dispute over Jamaat’s participation in local elections, an issue that has deeply polarized the party’s ranks. The larger, more vocal faction within Jamaat fiercely opposes any involvement in the electoral process. They accuse the leadership of bypassing the Shura (consultative council), which traditionally convenes to discuss such pivotal decisions. According to one of the factions, the leadership’s move to support electoral participation without proper consultation is undemocratic and a betrayal of Jamaat’s core values,” sources said.
In stark contrast, the smaller pro-election faction, which includes several key figures within the current leadership, defends their stance, sources said, adding, they (pro-election) claim that the decision to enter the elections was indeed discussed within the Shura and that participation is crucial to maintain political relevance in the shifting dynamics of Kashmir’s governance.
“Despite these justifications, the leadership’s calls for unity and participation have largely gone unheard. In the first phase of the local elections, Jamaat voters across South Kashmir staged an effective boycott, with polling stations in Jamaat strongholds witnessing drastically low turnout. Voter apathy, driven by the schism, has left a vacuum that the National Conference—a long-standing rival—has swiftly exploited,” sources said.
While talking to JeI Panel Head Ghulam Qadir Wani, he said that the jamaat has fully given support to its candidates in the election fray and ruled out any differences between workers and members in the outfit.
“The jamaat’s candidates have got our full endorsement. Although, there might be any reservation at the low level due to any confusion, which will be cleared in the offing,” Wani added.
Political analysts observing the situation note that the absence of Jamaat voters has drastically tilted the balance of power in favor of the National Conference. In key constituencies, the party appears poised for a clean sweep, with many predicting that the election could mark a seismic shift in South Kashmir’s political landscape.
“As the fallout from Jamaat’s internal rift deepens, its long-standing influence in South Kashmir seems to be waning. Whether this fracture marks a temporary blip or a lasting schism remains to be seen, but for now, the National Conference stands on the brink of a decisive electoral victory, riding the wave of Jamaat’s political self-destruction,” they said.
