Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid participated in a special program 'Panchayat AajTak' and answered several questions. Having been released from Tihar Jail just a day earlier, Engineer Rashid shared his experiences of prison life. He mentioned that he is neither with BJP nor with the India coalition in this election. He also addressed the local parties' allegations of him dividing the votes.
Engineer Rashid said, 'The whole country thought that Engineer Rashid was dead and would never return, but my return signifies the victory of truth. NC, PDP claim that I have returned to divide votes. I would like to tell them that Kashmir is not their family's inheritance. By saying this, they are questioning the intelligence of voters. I am not happy for anyone's defeat or my victory; I am glad that my win represents a defeat for Modi Ji's 'New Kashmir' vision.'
'Jail is a Mini India'
He said, 'Modi Ji did great wrong to Kashmiris on August 5, 2019. Those who talk about Ram Rajya suffocated Kashmiris and even deprived them of water. Kashmiris have sent a message through my victory, telling Modi Ji not to fear, nor instill fear. My people are my strength. I hope our people will continue to do well and show PDP, BJP, NC, and other smaller parties how deeply they have sunk.'
Rashid added, 'Jail is a mini India. I saw people from all over the country there. The respect I received from people of every religion is something my seven generations could never repay. The day I won the election, non-Muslim friends distributed sweets worth 2 lakh in Tihar Jail. If only this was the real India. I am contesting the election to show PM Modi that Kashmiris reject his poor policies. Everything he did is unacceptable to Kashmiris.'
'Nobody Thought About My Sita'
He said, 'On January 18, 2024, all our companions get 5 minutes of phone time daily, but mine was cut off too. You can check jail records. I was placed in the ward for mentally ill and disabled people, and one of my meals was stopped. Although the administration was very good, they were under pressure. I also want Ram Rajya in India but a genuine one, not Modi Ji's version.'
Rashid commented, 'While there was concern for Sita Ji, nobody thought about my Sita. What has she been doing for the past five and a half years? Modi Ji talks about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, but are Kashmiris not part of it? They treat us as if we are a colony. Modi Ji, please don't do these things. We care about India; we want it to become a superpower and the world's largest economy by 2047.'
'If I Won, How Am I Dividing Votes'
When asked where he gets his money from, Rashid replied, 'There is no black mark in the lentil; the whole lentil is black. I have been in Tihar Jail for five and a half years. My phone was also cut off since January 18. I found out I became an MP only after winning. I was completely isolated from society. The man who has been in jail for five and a half years under UAPA, my aunt passed away, and I wasn't granted parole. How would I know what happens behind the scenes?'
He said, 'Those who accuse me of receiving support from Delhi likely know how Delhi operates and funds people. We don’t need money; those supported by the people don’t need money. While I was in jail, who gave me money? They say I am a BJP agent... If I won, how am I dividing votes?'
Congress or BJP, Who's Side?
When asked about his election preparations and if he would align with the India coalition or remain independent if he won in Jammu and Kashmir, Rashid responded, 'When I came out and saw people, I realized they are ready; I don’t need to prepare. Both coalitions are frauds. There is no difference between Rahul Gandhi and Modi Ji’s coalitions. The only difference is that Modi Ji attacks Kashmiris directly, while the Congress does it behind the scenes. If Rahul Ji and his India coalition promise to bring back Article 370, I will support them in all 90 seats.'
What Did He Say About Local Parties' Allegations?
Rashid was asked about the local parties' narrative regarding his release and attempts to link him with BJP. Rashid replied, 'They are not truly local parties. They just have brands and are all corrupt underneath. Some follow BJP, some follow Congress—it's sad. They question the judiciary. I became an MP; Omar Abdullah lost; Madam lost. Now they say I returned to divide votes. I say you are dividing my votes. Sit at home; the people have defeated you. Don't contest elections.'
Did He Sympathize with Omar Abdullah?
When asked if he expected to win the election, Rashid answered, 'I had faith in my people. Some say I got sympathy votes. In 2019, too, I contested and narrowly lost by 24-25 thousand votes. I led in five regions, but planned killing of a youth on polling day reduced the voting percentage. Otherwise, I would have reached the Parliament in 2019.'
Rashid said, 'When my son filed the form, Omar Sahib said if he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have contested. As we advanced and won, he then said it was the victory of an Islamic extremist. I want to say I am proud of being Islamic, and no Islamic person can be an extremist. Decide if I am with BJP, Islamic, or an extremist.'
He added, 'Omar Sahib begged for votes with his cap in hand; I felt pity for him. A former Chief Minister, whose father was CM several times and whose grandfather gifted Kashmir to India, is now begging to become an MLA. Meanwhile, Engineer Rashid’s son and his people came out and elected me from jail.'
Did He Meet Kejriwal in Jail?
When asked if he met Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar Jail, Rashid laughed and said, 'Do you want to add another case against me?' Rashid responded, 'No, he was in another jail. Why are you linking me with him? He is a very big man. Where do I stand? I have never met him.'
