A day ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president and Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, has called on mainstream political parties in the region to postpone any government formation until the restoration of J&K’s statehood.
Speaking at a press conference, Rashid, who is on interim bail until October 12, stated, “I understand the INDIA alliance has its limitations. The Congress took votes in Kashmir but remained silent on (Article) 370. Right now, I have a suggestion to all of them, till statehood is restored to us, try not to form government.”
Rashid emphasised the importance of unity among political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying, “This is not a big issue. Modi ji has anyway changed the goalpost. Unitedly, they should tell the Union government to restore statehood so it restores some dignity and if they want the support of the AIP, we will support them.” He clarified that his party’s backing would be independent of which party secures a majority, as “the government that takes over will have limited powers.”
Describing the demand for statehood as the “wish of every voter,” Rashid urged political parties in J&K to take practical actions rather than merely issuing statements. He expressed that a united front among elected representatives against government formation until statehood is restored would benefit the people of J&K.
In response, NC vice president Omar Abdullah criticised Rashid, claiming he was unwittingly aiding the BJP’s agenda. “The man goes to Delhi for 24 hours and comes back to play straight into the hands of the BJP. The BJP would like nothing more than to extend central rule in J&K if they aren’t in a position to form a government,” Abdullah posted on X.
Rashid, who was granted bail last month to campaign for the Assembly elections, questioned the Centre’s claims of integration of J&K, stating, “If Modi ji and Amit Shah ji claim that integration is complete with ek nishan, ek vidhan, why is there this system of nominations for J&K?” He argued that Kashmiri Pandits, like other Kashmiris, are stakeholders in the electoral process and that nominating members undermines the spirit of democracy and the Constitution.
With exit polls suggesting no party or coalition may secure a simple majority, concerns arise regarding the nomination of five members to the J&K Assembly by the Lieutenant Governor. While most parties have urged Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to make nominations in consultation with the forthcoming Council of Ministers, the BJP insists he is not obligated to do so under the J&K Reorganisation Act. Legal experts have varied opinions on the implications of these changes.
The AIP contested 34 out of the 90 Assembly seats in J&K, primarily in the Kashmir region. Throughout his campaign, Rashid asserted that his efforts are “for the people of Jammu and Kashmir” rather than a quest for power.