God, Communism and a Women's Gym

Unlike other constituencies in the region, Kulgam stands out as a battleground for ideological conflict. The election results, expected on October 8, could lead to either celebration in the CPI M) camp or the Jamaat-e-Islami camp

- Naseer Ganai

DURING election season, red CPI (M) flags stream from the hands of two-wheeler riders with the same ease as ripe apples hanging from laden branches in autumn-bold, vivid and unmissable.

The region, known as the rice bowl of the Valley, has long been a stronghold for the communists in Kashmir. The trademark flags, sometimes worn as headgear, give the constituency a unique character in Jammu and Kashmir.

Unlike other constituencies in the region, Kulgam stands out as a battleground for ideological conflict. Debates here often peak with intense discussions on Islam and Marxism, questioning whether the two can coexist in a Muslim society.

That is, until the subject of a women-only gym hits the conversation.

Both communist leader M Y Tarigami and his opponent, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate Sayar Ahmad Reshi, 42, speak of revolution and a new Kashmir that is "free from fear and full of opportunities for all".

However, these discussions often veer off into debates on issues like whether women should have access to gyms, overshadowing the broader ideological conflict.

The CPI (M) office is located next to a mosque. Inside, large posters of Fidel Castro with quotes like "Ideas do not need weapons" adorn the walls. There are also posters of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara reading the Communist Manifesto. In another room, the CPI (M) election symbol-hammer, sickle and star-is displayed on the door, along with the slogan "Haq ka hami, Tarigami (Champion of Justice-Tarigami)".

As the communist leader walks towards a nearby village, songs like "Kitna diler hai hamara leader, sheron ka sher hai hamara leader (how brave our leader is; our leader is the lion among lions)", play in the background.