Engineer Rashid wants to quit as MP; party turns to cadres for final call

SRINAGAR: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Sunday said it would consult its grassroots workers before taking a call on MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid's stated intention to resign from the Lok Sabha, citing his inability to adequately reach and serve his constituents.In a statement, the party said its committee on political affairs held extensive discussions on the issue and decided to launch a constituency-wide consultation exercise involving office-bearers and cadres across all 18 Assembly segments of the Baramulla parliamentary seat.The committee resolved that party functionaries would participate in a two-day deliberation process to decide whether Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, should continue as a member of Parliament or step down from the post.The party said it may also conduct a secret ballot among its cadres, if necessary, to allow members to express their views freely and without pressure.According to the statement, the exercise is aimed at ensuring that any decision on Rashid's future as MP reflects the wishes of the people who elected him and placed their trust in the party.(With PTI inputs)