SRINAGAR: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) announced on Sunday that it will seek the opinion of its grassroots cadre regarding the potential resignation of its Member of Parliament, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, from the Lok Sabha. The party indicated that the decision stems from Rashid’s expressed inability to effectively connect with and serve his electorate.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the AIP’s Committee on Political Affairs held extensive deliberations on the matter. Following these discussions, the committee resolved to initiate a comprehensive consultation process. This process will involve party office-bearers and cadres across all 18 Assembly segments that constitute the Baramulla parliamentary constituency.
A party spokesperson stated that functionaries at various levels will participate in a two-day consultative exercise. The purpose of this exercise is to deliberate on whether Engineer Rashid should continue in his role as a Member of Parliament or relinquish the position. The spokesperson added that the party might, if deemed necessary, conduct a secret ballot among its cadres. This measure is intended to ensure that party members can freely express their views without any form of pressure.
The primary objective behind this extensive consultation, according to the spokesperson, is to ensure that any decision concerning Engineer Rashid’s tenure as an MP is fundamentally guided by the wishes and aspirations of the constituents. These are the voters who placed their trust in him and the party by electing him to represent them in the Lok Sabha.
Engineer Rashid, an independent Member of Parliament, secured a significant victory in the Baramulla constituency during the recent general elections. His potential resignation has initiated a crucial internal party process to ascertain the collective will of his supporters and the party base before any definitive action is taken.
The Chenab Times News Desk