A special NIA court has granted interim bail to Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid in a terror funding case, allowing him to campaign in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Inam-Un-Nabi, spokesperson for the Awami Itehaad Party (AIP), Rashid's bail is valid until October 2, 2024. This will enable him to participate in the election campaign.
Rashid, a key figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics and leader of the AIP, is known for his strong regional focus and outspoken views. His party advocates for local issues and challenges major political players.
The court will also hear his request for regular bail on Wednesday. The assembly elections are scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 8.
Rashid previously defeated Omar Abdullah of the National Conference and Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference in the Lok Sabha polls from Baramulla. His party led in 15 of the 18 assembly segments in the Baramulla constituency. Rashid’s two sons launched a highly emotional campaign, seeking votes for his release and reminding people of his pro-people politics.
The AIP has emerged as a strong player based on its performance in the Lok Sabha polls. Several well-known individuals have joined the AIP and are contesting from different constituencies against the NC and the PDP.
Rashid’s release is likely to boost the morale and chances of the AIP in the three-phase elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are being held for the first time in a decade.
The last elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in 2014, leading to a coalition between the BJP and the PDP. The government collapsed in June 2018, leading to the Governor’s Rule followed by the President’s Rule. In 2019, the BJP abrogated Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its limited autonomy and statehood.
The AIP has been labelled as a proxy by NC and PDP leaders. PDP leader and former chief minister, after a clash between AIP and PDP workers, levelled serious allegations against the AIP. She questioned who was funding the AIP’s campaign at a time when its leader was in jail.
