Jailed MP Er Rashid’s AIP gets shot in arm, KCCI Ex-President Sheikh Ashiq joints party
Srinagar, Aug 31 (NVI): Jailed Memember Parliament from north Kashmir’s Baramulla Er Sheikh Abdur Rashid’s Awami Itehad Party (AIP) today got a shot in the army as a prominent businessman and former president of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) Sheikh Ashiq joined the party formally.
The joining ceremony held in Srinagar was attended by prominent leaders and businessmen from Srinagar besides General Secretary of Kashmir High Court Bar Association G N Shaheen and former employees’ leader Ishtiyaq Qadiri. In the past week, rumours were making rounds that Ashiq was planning to join AIP and today he made the formal announcement about his joining.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashiq said that he believes that AIP is the only party that can restore the credibility and trust among the people. “I believe AIP is the right platform to serve the people in this difficult hour,” he said.
Rashid praised Er Rashid role in present politics and stated that the jailed MP deserves support. AIP leaders present on the occasion welcomed Ashiq in the party fold and said the joining will give new impetus the party and make it strong in Kashmir. Sources said Ashiq is all set to get mandate from either Srinagar or Ganderbal. AIP sources said that the decision about Ashiq’s mandate will be announced shortly.
Er Rashid gained more prominence after emerging victorious in the recently held parliamentary polls from Baramulla district with a huge margin of votes. He defeated National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone. J&K is going to polls in three phases from September 18— (NVI)
