MP Engineer Rashid’s resignation offer sparks AIP grassroots exercise

Amid indications from jailed MP Engineer Rashid that he may resign from the Lok Sabha due to his inability to effectively serve constituents, the Awami Ittehad Party has decided to seek feedback from its grassroots cadre and the public before taking a final call.

Engineer Rashid was arrested in 2019 in connection with an alleged terror funding case. Despite being under trial, he won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Baramulla constituency, defeating prominent leaders, including Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone.

In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the party’s Committee on Political Affairs held detailed deliberations on the matter and resolved to initiate a broad-based consultation process involving party office-bearers and cadres across all 18 Assembly segments of the Baramulla parliamentary constituency.

“After carefully examining all dimensions of the issue, the Committee on Political Affairs has decided that party functionaries at various levels will participate in a two-day consultative exercise to deliberate on whether Engineer Rashid should continue as Member of Parliament or relinquish the position,” Inam said.

He added that the party may, if required, conduct a secret ballot among its cadres to ensure that members can express their views freely and without any pressure.

According to the spokesperson, party office-bearers at the panchayat and block levels will engage with the general public and various sections of society to gather feedback on the issue. Their final opinion will reflect the sentiments conveyed to them by the people during the consultation process.

“The objective is to ensure that any decision regarding Engineer Rashid’s future as MP is guided by the wishes and aspirations of the people who reposed their trust in him and the party,” Inam said.

He further stated that the outcome of the consultations and any subsequent voting process would be formally conveyed to Engineer Rashid, enabling him to take an informed decision on the matter.

Inam reiterated AIP’s commitment to internal democracy and public accountability, saying that the party believes major decisions must be shaped by the collective wisdom of its cadre and the people it represents.