Talat Majid, an independent candidate from Pulwama backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, is emerging as a significant political figure in Jammu and Kashmir. With deep connections to the local community, Majid has been advocating for the people of Pulwama, pushing for solutions to key issues like unemployment, education, and the disenfranchisement of Kashmiri youth. His candidacy reflects Jamaat's continued influence in the region, particularly in its focus on socio-economic progress for the valley. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Talat Majid discusses why Jamaat-e-Islami has shifted its long-standing stance of boycotting elections and is now opting to engage in the electoral process. He points to Engineer Rashid's electoral win as a pivotal moment that influenced Jamaat’s decision and notes that he remains open to forming political alliances in the future. Majid also emphasizes the urgent need for improved education and employment opportunities in Kashmir, stressing that the region's youth are ready to take part in the upcoming elections. In addition, he tackles critical topics like the abrogation of Article 370, explaining the prevailing sentiment around it. He further addresses the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, asserting that only Jamaat-e-Islami can successfully bring Kashmiri Hindus back to the valley.

00:00 - Coming Up 01:16 - Introduction 02:42 - Pulwama Terror Attack 05:24 - Independent Candidates in J&K Elections 11:58 - Omar Abdullah vs. Jamaat 17:02 - Election Boycotts in J&K 19:40 - Moderates in Jamaat-e-Islami 24:24 - Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami 30:28 - Abrogation of Article 370 31:30 - Political Parties Uneasy with Engineer Rashid? 32:24 - Majid's Vision for Change 34:40 - BJP's Kashmir Narrative 38:52 - Majid's Election Promises 44:02 - The 'Azadi' Sentiment 48:43 - Kashmiri Pandits Exodus 51:40 - Politics of Fear in Kashmir 54:13 - Which Party Will Jamaat-e-Islami Support?