Srinagar, Jun 21 (JKNS): The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has initiated a major grassroots consultation process across the Baramulla parliamentary constituency to determine whether Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid should continue in the Lok Sabha or step down, saying the final decision will be guided by the views and aspirations of the people who elected him with a massive mandate.
AIP chief spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS said that, AIP has decided to seek the opinion of its grassroots cadre on the expressed intention of Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid to step down from the Lok Sabha, citing his inability to effectively reach out to and serve the people who elected him with a massive mandate.
In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said that the party’s Committee on Political Affairs held detailed deliberations on the matter and resolved to initiate a broad-based consultation process involving party office-bearers and cadres across all 18 Assembly segments of the Baramulla parliamentary constituency.
“After carefully examining all dimensions of the issue, the Committee on Political Affairs has decided that party functionaries at various levels will participate in a two-day consultative exercise to deliberate on whether Engineer Rashid should continue as Member of Parliament or relinquish the position,” Inam said.
He added that the party may, if required, conduct a secret ballot among its cadres to ensure that members can express their views freely and without any pressure.
According to the spokesperson, party office-bearers at the panchayat and block levels will engage with the general public and various sections of society to gather feedback on the issue. Their final opinion will reflect the sentiments conveyed to them by the people during the consultation process.
“The objective is to ensure that any decision regarding Engineer Rashid’s future as MP is guided by the wishes and aspirations of the people who reposed their trust in him and the party,” Inam said.
He further stated that the outcome of the consultations and any subsequent voting process would be formally conveyed to Engineer Rashid, enabling him to take an informed decision on the matter.
Inam reiterated AIP’s commitment to internal democracy and public accountability, saying that the party believes major decisions must be shaped by the collective wisdom of its cadre and the people it represents, statement reads. (JKNS)
