SRINAGAR, June 22, 2026 : Jailed Member of Parliament and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is reportedly considering resigning from the Lok Sabha, citing his inability to effectively serve and connect with the people who elected him with an overwhelming mandate.
Engineer Rashid, who has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for the past seven years in connection with terror-related charges, emerged as one of the biggest political upsets of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Contesting from the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, he defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by a margin of more than two lakh votes.
Despite being granted interim bail on several occasions to attend parliamentary proceedings under court-imposed conditions, Rashid has reportedly expressed concern over his limited ability to fulfill his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament.
In response, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has initiated a broad-based consultation process to seek the opinion of its grassroots cadre and the general public before any final decision is taken.
According to AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam un Nabi, the party’s Committee on Political Affairs held detailed deliberations and resolved to conduct a two-day consultation exercise involving office-bearers and workers across all 18 Assembly segments of the Baramulla constituency.
The consultation aims to determine whether Engineer Rashid should continue as an MP or step down from the position. To ensure transparency and freedom of expression, the party may also conduct a secret ballot among its cadres if deemed necessary.
Party representatives at the panchayat and block levels have been tasked with engaging local communities and gathering public feedback. The final recommendations will reflect the sentiments and aspirations of the people who voted for Rashid and the AIP.
“The objective is to ensure that any decision regarding Engineer Rashid’s future as MP is guided by the wishes of the people who placed their trust in him and the party,” Inam stated.
The outcome of the consultations, along with any voting process, will be formally conveyed to Engineer Rashid, enabling him to take an informed decision regarding his parliamentary future.
The development has sparked significant political discussion across Jammu and Kashmir, as supporters and observers closely watch whether one of the region’s most prominent elected representatives will continue in Parliament or pave the way for a fresh political contest in Baramulla.
