‘Omar not happy with jump in voter turnout’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 8: After the landslide victory of Engineer Rasheed in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) today said that the people’s court has decided their jailed leader must be released from prison.
Addressing a press conference, AIP Spokesperson Firdous Ahmad Baba said they have moved a bail application, hoping that the court will listen to their plea and allow Er Rasheed to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
“We are hopeful that he will be released and allowed to take the oath. Also, his communication has been cut off by the jail authorities; we were not informed about the reason. For this as well, we have approached the court, and by Monday, we might get a video message from him which will be shared with the people,” he said.
Replying to a question regarding Er Rasheed supporting the NDA or INDIA block, the spokesperson said that their priority is ensuring the presence of their leader during the oath ceremony.
He noted that any decision in this regard will be taken by Er Rasheed himself.
They mentioned that legal formalities are ongoing, stressing that the courts have been liberal with them after the assurance of the possibility of a vacation bench hearing the application, if the need arises.
The spokesperson stated that the free and fair elections ensured by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have strengthened trust in the electoral process. “There was a trust deficit, but that has been restored. People have connected with us, and we are emerging as an alternative.”
Regarding NC Vice-President Omar Abdullah’s statements after his accepted defeat in North Kashmir, he said: “He does not seem to be happy with the increase in the poll percentage, which also suggests that they used to benefit from boycott politics.”
AIP also announced that it will be carrying out a membership drive across Kashmir to connect with grassroots workers and volunteers. “The established political parties cannot ignore us; now it is our moral duty to come before the people and put forth our agenda.”
He added: “To those who believe the political system is murky, I urge them to come and clean it up. Clean the bad name that politics has acquired. We will provide them a platform; our doors are open.”
On the jibe of a “sympathy vote” for Er Rasheed during the Lok Sabha elections, the party spokesperson said that it could be a factor, but “mostly it is for Er Rasheed’s commitment. It is about what he has done over the years for the people.”
The AIP leaders attributed the victory to the youth of J&K, especially women, who, the spokesperson said, motivated their men to vote for Er. Rasheed.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
