Er Rashid Appeals Opposition Parties To Delay J&K Cabinet Formation To Press For Statehood Restoration

Srinagar, Oct 7: Er Rashid, Lok Sabha member from Baramulla and president of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), urged opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir to delay forming the government until statehood is restored to the region. Speaking to reporters, Rashid appealed to the INDIA bloc, PDP, and other regional parties to unite in their demand for the restoration of statehood and to withhold government formation as a means to pressure the central government.

Rashid emphasized the importance of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “Irrespective of who secures the majority, the parties should not form a government until the Centre restores statehood. This is what every voter desires.” He expressed his willingness to cooperate with other parties on this issue.

The AIP chief also criticized the central government’s provision for nominating five members to the Legislative Assembly, questioning why such a provision exists in Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that the Modi government removed the special status of the region only to create new “special provisions” that are not in line with democratic principles. Rashid added, “If the Centre wants to represent various communities, they should revive the Legislative Council, not impose nominations.”

Rashid voiced concerns over the Election Commission of India’s decision not to grant his party, AIP, official registration, despite their participation in several elections. He pointed out that other newly formed parties like DPAP and Apni Party had been registered despite lacking significant electoral performances.

The AIP president also criticized the equal division of assets between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh following the bifurcation of the state. He questioned the fairness of splitting assets, such as the Jammu and Kashmir House in Delhi, equally between a population of 2 crore in Jammu and Kashmir and 4 lakh in Ladakh.

Additionally, Rashid demanded the restoration of the Darbar Move, a biannual practice that transferred the seat of government between Jammu and Srinagar. He argued that it fostered cultural and emotional ties between the two regions.

On other matters, Rashid condemned controversial remarks made by Yati Narsinghanand, demanding legal action for his alleged blasphemous statements. He also responded to claims made by People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, who stated that articles published in Rashid’s name were written by him before Rashid entered politics. Rashid called for Lone’s arrest, citing the confession.

The remarks come just before the announcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results, with regional parties expected to play a key role in the future government formation in the Union Territory.