KATHMANDU: Sheikh Abdul Rashid, widely known as “Engineer Rashid,” has astounded observers by securing victory with a staggering margin of 100,000 votes in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Contesting as an independent candidate from the Baramulla constituency, Rashid defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party.

“I believe it’s time to acknowledge the inevitable. Congratulations to Engineer Rashid for his triumph in North Kashmir,” Mr. Abdullah conveyed on X (formerly Twitter) just moments ago.

Rashid, often labeled as a maverick leader due to his unconventional political stance, has been incarcerated since 2019 in a terror funding case, currently detained in Tihar jail in Delhi.

Despite his confinement, Rashid’s son spearheaded his election campaign, organizing impactful roadshows that resonated with thousands of people, particularly the region’s youth.

Meanwhile, early indicators suggest that the BJP-led alliance is leading in nearly 300 seats, while opposition parties are trailing in about 200.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is eyeing a rare third consecutive term for himself and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Additionally, preliminary results indicate a stronger-than-expected performance by the Congress party and other opposition factions.

To secure a government, a party or alliance must win more than 272 seats in the 543-member parliament.

The recent election, recognized as the world’s largest, unfolded across seven phases over six weeks, with almost a billion people registered to cast their votes.

BBC