Srinagar, June 21, KNT: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has decided to seek the opinion of its grassroots cadre on the expressed intention of Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid to step down from the Lok Sabha, citing his inability to effectively reach out to and serve the people who elected him with a massive mandate.
The move comes amid growing debate over Engineer Rashid’s political future, with the party stating that any decision regarding his continuation as Member of Parliament should be guided by the wishes of the people and party workers who supported his electoral victory. The exercise also reflects AIP’s attempt to gauge public sentiment before taking a final position on the matter.
In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party’s Committee on Political Affairs held detailed deliberations on the issue and resolved to initiate a broad-based consultation process involving 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 conduct a secret ballot among its cadres, if required, to ensure 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 public and various sections of society to gather feedback on the issue. Their final opinion, he said, would reflect the sentiments conveyed 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.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to internal democracy and public accountability, Inam said AIP believes major political decisions should be shaped by the collective wisdom of its cadre and the people it represents. [KNT]
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