Er Rashid has emerged as a key player in J&K politics after his spectacular win in Baramulla seat by defeating two political heavyweights, including former CM Omar Abdullah, while being lodged in Tihar jail. Er Rashid, who has been released on interim bail to campaign for J&K polls, tells Fayaz Wani that people want a change and election results will throw a big surprise.
Excerpts:
How is life in Tihar jail??
I was lodged in Tihar for over five years. Life in Tihar is a hell within the hell. I have written my memories to tell the people how tough it is to live in Tihar.
Why did you decide to contest the Lok Sabha poll?
The main reason was that I had fought for the people of my constituency. I believe that there should be someone who can speak for the masses. There was a political vacuum as traditional regional parties would say something, and do something else. I thought time was right to make people of Kashmir aware that they should get better choices.
When did you finally take a call on contesting the poll?
I was under pressure in the jail not to fight the polls, and instead support Sajjad Lone (Peoples Conference chief). I refused, and all my facilities were taken away. It prompted me to contest the poll. I had no contact with the outside world. My lawyer got court orders allowing me to contest poll from the jail. From filing nominations till counting of votes, I was allowed only once to talk to my brother—that too not in Kashmiri. The facilities were restored only after I became an MP.
It is being said that you got sympathy votes?
For me, it was a vote for my commitment, dedication and sincerity. My governance model when I was MLA of Langate in Kupwara reached far and wide. Had I been released before the LS polls, we could have won all three Valley seats.
Do you see the same kind of public support this time?
Since I was in jail, I don’t know about the ground situation during the LS polls. However, the way people are attending my rallies and roadshows, I see a massive support. I believe that people want a change and AIP is the only alternative.
After your release, NC, Congress, PDP, PC accused you of being BJP’s proxy?
They already have lost the battle. They are unable to digest public support to me and AIP. Instead of learning a lesson from the defeat, Omar Abdullah is stooping low. If Er Rashid is important, then why did not he visit my family even once during my detention.
How many seats is your party AIP contesting and how many seats you are hopeful of winning?
We are contesting 30 seats. I will not give you the number of seats that we will be winning. Wait for counting of votes and there will be a major surprise.
Will you support NC-Congress or BJP if they fall short of number?
Government formation is not a main issue for me. I want to fight for people’s right. What is more important is how Kashmiris can come out of the mess.
It is being said you met PM Modi in 2018 and he informed you about Article 370 abrogation. Is it true?
I met PM Modi in 2018. I told people that I met him. BJP’s agenda has always been to abrogate Article 370. The PM told me they want total integration of J&K with India and they want Kashmiris to be as good as Indians. I could smell they were not happy with Kashmiris and wanted to follow their own agenda. I did not agree with their agenda and was sent to jail.
I feel pity for Omar because when his father Farooq Abdullah and two NC MPs met PM on August 1, 2019 and after coming out of the meeting, he told people that PM is not thinking of Article 370 abrogation. He facilitated Modi in abrogating Article 370. He made a public commitment that the BJP government was not removing it. Either Farooq Abdullah was a duffer or he was an agent.
You are talking of resolution of Kashmir issue and talks. With whom should the Government of India hold talks?
The BJP government talked to militants. They talked to Hurriyat and sent them to Pakistan. Today they are labeling everybody as terrorists. They should talk to all stakeholders. They should be serious. If they can ask for political space in dialogue between Americans and Taliban despite calling Taliban terrorists, why can’t they talk to people whom they call their own people. They are talking to people in Nagaland and North East, why are they feeling scared of talking to Kashmiris.
The Kashmiris have never been against talks. We may have differences, be it militants, political leaders and anyone else, Kashmiris are most peace loving people. And we are the sufferers and victims.
All Kashmir-based parties in their poll manifestos have vowed to restore Article 370. How are you going to restore it?
The Kashmir based parties filed a petition in SC on Article 370 abrogation instead of fighting politically for it. They formed the Gupkar Alliance and it was a disaster.
We will fight politically for its restoration. The farm laws were introduced by the government and after its introduction farmers across the country staged agitation and protested peacefully. They were labeled as Khalistanis and Pakistanis but they continued their struggle and successfully forced the Modi government to withdraw the three laws. Why can’t we do the same?
It needs a political movement. If I can get good numbers, we can launch a political movement for Art 370 restoration.
How will you formulate a post-poll strategy from jail?
If I could formulate a strategy that could give me victory by over two lakh votes in LS polls, strategizing for the post poll scenario for Assembly polls is not difficult. It is not a big deal as I will remain in touch with my lawyers.