Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, known as Engineer Rashid, has dismissed allegations of being a proxy for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following his release on bail from Tihar Jail. Rashid, who leads the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), questioned the accusations, stating, “How can a man who has been the victim of the BJP’s politics be its proxy?”
Rashid was released to participate in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election campaign, a move that has unsettled many mainstream political parties in the region. His re-entry into the political fray has sparked intense discussions on his stance and his role in the upcoming elections.
In a press conference the day after his release, Rashid targeted both the BJP and the National Conference (NC). He issued a pointed message to the BJP, stating, “We have no fight with you, but do not sacrifice Kashmiris for your political agenda.” He also criticized the INDIA bloc, saying, “Modi ji hits upfront while the INDIA bloc hits from behind. They weakened Article 370, and Modi buried its body.”
Rashid, who identifies as a proud Islamist, distanced himself from radicalism. He stated, “No Islamist can be radical. I love the people of India and believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'” He expressed deep concern for Kashmiri detainees, including prominent separatist figure Asiya Andrabi, saying, “They are our Sita. If you want to bring hearts closer, is it right to imprison our Kashmiri daughters?”
During his address, Rashid called on the central government to stop viewing Kashmiris as enemies or labeling them as Pakistanis. “You never listen to Kashmiris… Why are you afraid of speaking to us?” he asked, urging the government for dialogue and humane treatment. His message was clear: “Daro mat, darao mat (Don’t be scared, and don’t scare us).”
Rashid reiterated that his party’s aim was not to form a government but to take the political fight “from Kashmir to Delhi.” He further extended solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits, pledging to protect them and stating that Kashmir belongs to them as much as it does to others in the Valley. Rashid acknowledged their struggle to return to their homeland and stressed the need for unity.
Rashid announced that the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) plans to contest between 35 and 40 seats in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He emphasized that his party would not form any coalitions, stating, “I will only align with my inner self.” He criticized both the BJP’s nationalism and the INDIA bloc’s secularism as political tools, claiming that both ideologies are being misused for personal gain.
In response to Rashid’s comments, J&K election in-charge Ram Madhav took to social media, criticizing his release and political rhetoric. Madhav labeled Rashid as a “rank separatist” and accused him of further disrupting the political climate in the Valley. He stated, “This rank separatist, in jail for the last 5 years under UAPA for indulging in anti-India activities, is out on bail to further vitiate Valley politics. Look at (the) language… anti-Modi rants, restoring Art 370, freeing terrorists from jails…”
As the political scene in Jammu and Kashmir heats up ahead of the assembly elections, Engineer Rashid’s return to the fray has added an element of unpredictability. His criticism of both the BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc sets the stage for a contentious election season, with his party’s independent stance likely to shake up existing power dynamics.