Srinagar: Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, lashed out at both the BJP and the INDIA bloc, accusing the ruling party of direct confrontation and the opposition of betrayal. Wearing a black band to protest the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, Rashid, out on interim bail from Tihar jail, voiced discontent with the political situation.
Rashid announced his Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) would contest 35 to 40 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections without forming coalitions, stating, “I will align only with my conscience.”
He condemned BJP’s nationalism and the INDIA bloc’s secularism as disingenuous, accusing both of undermining genuine ideals. “Modi attacks openly, but INDIA bloc strikes from behind,” he said, blaming them for weakening Article 370.
He dismissed claims that the nation supported the abrogation, citing Lok Sabha election results to argue against BJP’s narrative. On his black band protest, Rashid remarked, “When I went in, there was a state and Article 370; now, only a charge sheet remains.”
Rejecting accusations of being a BJP proxy, Rashid pointed out his imprisonment while PDP leaders remained free. He criticised PDP’s alliance with BJP after the 2014 elections, saying the truth was evident to the people.
Rashid also expressed concern for Kashmiri detainees like Asiya Andrabi, referring to them as “our Sita,” and rejected the claim that Kashmiris were happy with the removal of special status.
Upon his release, Rashid vowed to fight Modi’s “Naya Kashmir narrative” and blamed Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for Kashmir’s current state.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases from September 18 to October 1, with results on October 8.
