Srinagar, July 05 (KNS): Awami Ittehad Party has expressed disappointment over the alleged failure of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to address the “unjust imprisonment and denial of oath taking” of Engineer Rashid, an MP-elect from Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.

A two-time legislator from Kashmir, Engineer Rashid, known for his significant electoral victories over prominent figures such as former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone, is incarcerated under what the Awami Ittehad Party describes as baseless charges.

Despite Gandhi's frequent displays of the Constitution during his campaign and his proclamation as a champion of constitutional values and justice, he has remained silent on Rashid's matter.

Despite Rashid’s resounding electoral mandate and the trust placed in him by his constituents, Rashid was not allowed to take oath in Parliament during the session.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Firdous Baba, spokesperson for the Awami Ittehad Party, said that as Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi has a responsibility to advocate for justice to people like Engineer Rashid. The party expressed dismay at what they perceive as a selective application of Gandhi's professed commitment to the Constitution, particularly in the case of grassroots leaders like Engineer Rashid.

"It is evident that Gandhi and his party are not supportive of the rise of ordinary citizens to leadership roles that truly represent the people," remarked Baba. "We had expected him to speak out against the injustice faced by Engineer Rashid, whose electoral victory was significant and undeniable."

For now, Engineer Rashid remains in custody, unable to fulfill his elected duties in Parliament. Delhi court has meanwhile permitted him to take oath on July 5, two days after the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha concluded.(KNS)