Omar ‘opportunistic,’ fooling people for power: Er Rashid

‘NC, Sajad, Bukhari scheming to weaken AIP’

Irfan Tramboo

SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Member of Parliament and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief, Abdul Rashid Sheikh commonly known as Engineer Rashid, lashed out at National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah today, calling him “opportunistic” and accusing his family of engaging in “politics of convenience.”

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Addressing the public through a social media live stream right before leading election campaign in Lal Chowk Assembly constituency, Rashid criticized Omar for accepting support from the Apni Party in Budgam segment, the same party that Omar previously called “BJP’s team.”
“Omar used to call Altaf Bukhari and his party BJP’s B-team, and now he is thanking them for their support. It’s opportunism. What changed that made him accept their support? You, Omar, are opportunistic and practice politics of convenience,” Rashid said.
He further claimed that Omar is “begging” to the public to make him an MLA. “The people of Kashmir are not cattle, and you have no principles. Omar should explain to the people what prompted him to take support from the Apni Party. It’s clear he’s already lost the fight,” he added.
The AIP chief didn’t stop there, delving into history and accusing other leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mehbooba Mufti, Altaf Bukhari and Sajad Lone, of lacking vision and being driven solely by power.
Rashid claimed that there is a “tsunami of AIP” from Qazigund to Karnah and that people will no longer be swayed by the empty promises of NC, PDP, Congress, and others.
“NC, PDP, and other parties have nothing to offer except attacking me. When I was released from jail, some questioned my bail, others called me a BJP proxy. They said all kinds of shameful things because the AIP tsunami has shaken them,” he added.
He also alleged that Sajad Lone and Altaf Bukhari are forming an alliance behind the scenes and that Omar and Sajad Lone are eyeing a “tactical alliance” to weaken AIP.
Rashid went on to accuse all these leaders of dancing to the tunes of the BJP and eagerly waiting to form a Government. However, he expressed confidence that the people will ensure AIP’s rise to power and its ability to speak truth to those in Delhi. “Secret alliances won’t work anymore.”