Srinagar- The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by the incarcerated Er Rashid, today said that it is for the party chief to choose between joining the Congress-led Indian Bloc or the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) upon his release from prison.
Addressing a maiden press conference here, following its resounding victory in the Baramulla Lok-Sabha constituency, the party said their current priority is to get Er Rashid out on bail so he could participate in the swearing-in ceremony, if it takes place before the next date of hearing at the Patiala House Court on June 18.
Firdous Baba, the party spokesman said they have moved an interim bail application with the Patiala House Court through their counsel and are hoping that Er Rashid will be freed and swear an oath in the Parliament as and when the event takes place.
Er Rashid, he claimed, did not win elections by a vote of compassion but rather by the overwhelming support of the public. He thanked everyone, especially youth for their overwhelming support in the just concluded Lok-Sabha elections.
“Our special thanks to the youth, who voted in big numbers for Er Rashid. We also express our gratitude to the women folk who, in face of strong opposition from their male counterparts, not only supported Er Rashid by voting, but also encouraged them to do the same,” Baba said, adding, a vote of compassion might have contributed to his success.
“Er Rashid, as you are all aware, has been incarcerated in Tihar jail for the past five years. Following our victory in Baramulla Lok-Sabha constituency recently, we have started the legal process to ensure our leader takes part in the oath ceremony,” the spokesman said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Patiala House for being liberal to them, saying the matter would be heard again on June 18 with the option to make an application to have Er Rashid participate in the swearing-in ceremony, in case the event was held before the next date of hearing.
“I hope Er Rashid will be freed from prison and given an opportunity to take an oath in the parliament. The jail administration blocked his communications for unknown reasons. We have also moved an application before the court to have his communication restored,” he added.
When asked if Er Rashid would join the NDA or sit in the opposition with the INDIA bloc upon his release from prison, he said it was up to Er Rashid to make that decision.
The AIP spokesperson expressed his optimism that the AIP supremo will also be allowed to take an oath as a member of parliament, noting that no candidate who ran from jail and won elections has ever been prevented from attending the swearing-in ceremony.
He also took a jibe on NC vice-president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his recent comment against Er Rashid, saying such assertions have a potential to stoke serious controversy.
“Since religious matters are sensitive in nature, Omar Abdullah should refrain from making comments having potential to stoke controversy,” he added.
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