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The article revolves around Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, and his conditional support for the INDIA bloc in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Rashid, the supreme leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has declared that he will pledge his support and the votes of his supporters to the INDIA bloc candidates only if they promise to restore Article 370 of the Indian Constitution upon their ascent to power in the central government.
Rashid's stance is rooted in his strong belief that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is paramount to India achieving global power status. He criticizes the current government for failing to address this complex issue and for its actions in August 2019, which he deems illegal and unconstitutional. He emphasizes that the restoration of Article 370 is not merely a matter of statements but requires active resistance, drawing parallels to Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent struggle.
The article highlights Rashid's sharp criticism of other political figures, including Mehbooba Mufti, the PDP president, and Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference leader. He accuses Mufti of being passive in the face of the BJP's revocation of Article 370 and claims that Abdullah was aware of the government's plan beforehand. He also alleges that he faced pressure to support the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections but refused, resulting in his detention and harsh treatment.
Furthermore, the article addresses Rashid's claims regarding his victory in the Lok Sabha elections, asserting that it was not due to sympathy but rather a rejection of the BJP's 'Naya Kashmir' vision. He also predicts the defeat of both Sajad Lone and Omar Abdullah in the assembly elections. The article concludes by contrasting Rashid's five-year incarceration in Tihar jail with the detention of other mainstream politicians at the SKICC, emphasizing the distinct nature of his punishment.
Source: J&K Polls: Engineer Rashid Announces Support To INDIA Bloc Candidates But On Condition