Omar, Mehbooba launch attack, Azad hails move

TNN Bureau. Updated: 9/11/2024 12:35:10 AM Front Page

Budgam: The decision by a Delhi court to grant interim bail to jailed MP Engineer Rashid has ignited a fierce political debate in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rashid, who is currently facing charges in a terror funding case, was granted bail until October 2 to allow him to participate in the upcoming assembly elections. This decision has elicited strong reactions from key political figures in the region.
National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah was quick to criticize the bail decision, suggesting that it was not intended to benefit Rashid’s constituents.
Abdullah stated, "We were aware that it would happen. I feel regret for the people of Baramulla parliamentary constituency as this bail has not been granted to serve them or attend Parliament. It has been granted to fetch votes here. After that, he will be taken back to Tihar (jail) and the people of north Kashmir will again be without a representative." Abdullah emphasized that the interim bail was a strategic move rather than a genuine opportunity for Rashid to serve his voters.
Abdullah further addressed remarks made by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who described Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) as a proxy for the BJP.
Abdullah noted, "It is good that Mehbooba has stated openly what many people were thinking. She has clearly said that Rashid is working on the directions of the BJP." He also pointed out Mufti's concerns about the source of funds for AIP candidates, calling for transparency and cautioning voters against supporting Independent candidates, which he implied could aid BJP’s ambitions.
PDP president Mehbooba Muft, also criticize Rashid. "The PDP is the only party which advocates the resolution of the Kashmir issue, which talks about the youths of J-K languishing in jails," Mufti asserted.
She accused AIP of being a BJP proxy and questioned the fairness of allowing a jailed individual to contest elections while ordinary citizens face obstacles in meeting their incarcerated relatives.
Mufti also condemned the alleged attack on PDP candidate Yawar Shafi Banday by AIP workers, expressing frustration over what she perceived as a lack of appropriate action from authorities.
"On one hand, the parents of a poor person in jail are not allowed to meet him, but on the other hand, some people are contesting elections from jail," Mufti said, underscoring her party’s stance on these issues.
In contrast, Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), offered a more supportive view of Rashid's bail. Azad described the court’s decision as a "step towards justice," emphasizing the importance of allowing democratically elected representatives to campaign.
"I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a strong mandate, this is a step towards justice and his right to campaign in the assembly elections," Azad said in a post on X. Azad’s response highlights a more supportive stance towards Rashid’s ability to participate in the electoral process, contrasting with the criticism from Abdullah and Mufti.


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