Srinagar, : Stating that Engineer Rashid’s release was doubtful, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today said that her party’s candidates are short of money for campaigning but Awami Itehad Party (AIP) was holding mega rallies despite its leader still in jail.
“I wish Er Rashid was released during Parliament elections so that he could have sought votes for himself. Now that he is being release on bail, his release is doubtful. I am also surprised to see AIP carrying out huge rallies in vehicles. Who is funding AIP?,” Mehbooba said while talking to reporters in Wachi area of Shopian in South Kashmir. She said PDP candidates are short of money to carry out rallies but AIP has fielded candidates everywhere.
“It seems Agencies have choosen candidates for AIP,” she alleged. Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami’s participation in polls, Mehbooba said she wasn’t sure whether JeI was really contesting. “JeI is banned, isn’t it? I don’t know who is fighting, is it the JeI really or under JeI’s garb, NC candidates,” she said. Delhi Patiala Court yesterday granted an interim bail to Er Rashid till October 2. He has been also allowed to carry out campaigning in J&K. Er Rashid emerged victorious in Parliamentary polls from North Kashmir defeating Omar Abdullah of NC and Sajad Lone of Peoples Conference with a huge margin.
AIP leaders confirmed to NVI that Er Rashid will land in Srinagar on September 13 where he will receive a rousing reception. The AIP is also mulling a big rally in Srinagar to welcome party chief. NVI