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Sheikh Abdul Rashid, a Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir, has firmly rejected allegations that he is a proxy for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He attributes his electoral success to the public's discontent with the Modi government's 'Naya Kashmir' initiative, asserting that he is the only mainstream leader who has faced persecution from the ruling party. Rashid's claims stem from his experiences, including his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of terror funding and his subsequent imprisonment in Tihar jail.
Rashid's criticism extends to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers, Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) and Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He accuses them of failing the people, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Rashid highlights the contrasting treatment he received compared to the former Chief Ministers, who were held in comfortable confinement during the abrogation. He accuses them of being puppets of the BJP, devoid of genuine leadership qualities. His comments further point to a deep political divide within Jammu and Kashmir, where different factions accuse each other of collaborating with the BJP.
Rashid's victory in the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat against Omar Abdullah highlights the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He argues that his success was a testament to his work and the sentiment he represented within the assembly. His stance against the abrogation of Article 370, which he perceives as an attack on Kashmiri identity and rights, has resonated with a segment of the population. His statements highlight the deep resentment towards the Modi government's policies and the ongoing struggle for autonomy and self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rashid's outspoken criticisms of the BJP, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti showcase a multifaceted political dynamic in Jammu and Kashmir. While he claims to represent the people's will and stands against the BJP's 'Naya Kashmir' vision, he also criticizes the actions of other prominent leaders. His focus on the suffering of Kashmiris incarcerated within and outside the region underlines the human cost of political conflict and highlights the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: ‘Only mainstream leader to be persecuted by ruling party’: Engineer Rashid rebuffs ‘BJP proxy’ tag