Er. Rashid Thanks Voters After Historic Win, AIP Focuses on Securing His Release

A day after unseating political figures including Omar Abdullah and Sajad Gani Lone, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) patron and newly elected MP Er. Rashid expressed his gratitude to the people for electing him from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency.

In a message shared through his counsel Vikhyat Oberoi on his official Facebook page, Er. Rashid thanked the people of J&K, stating, “This victory belongs to the people, not just me. I will continue to fight for the rights of J&K’s people democratically and be the voice of the voiceless. The margin of my victory underscores my innocence in the case against me.”

The AIP, which resonated with the public by advocating for the release of its party patron during an extensive campaign, now faces uncertainty regarding its future strategy amid the ongoing incarceration of Er. Rashid. The party’s primary focus is on securing his release to regroup and plan their next steps.

Despite the dilemma, rumors on social media have speculated about Er. Rashid aligning with either the INDI Bloc or NDA. However, AIP spokesperson Firdous Baba clarified to GNS that their immediate concern is the patron’s release, dismissing any alliance considerations as false.

“Our priority is to see Er. Sahab out of prison. We trust his wisdom to determine the best strategy once he is free,” Baba stated. He emphasized the party’s efforts to facilitate Er. Rashid’s release so he can serve and interact with the people.

Er. Rashid, who secured 472,481 votes, defeated Omar Abdullah by 204,142 votes and surpassed Sajad Gani Lone, who garnered 173,239 votes, by 299,242 votes in the election results announced on Tuesday.