Opinion: Er Rashid’s Hunger Strike is a Test of India’s Democratic Conscience

The ongoing hunger strike of incarcerated MP Engineer Rashid is not just a personal battle—it is a litmus test for India’s democracy. 

Nine days into his indefinite fast, Er Rashid lies hospitalized at RML Hospital, rapidly losing weight, yet his voice remains unheard in the very institution he was elected to—Parliament.

This is not merely a political issue; it is a humanitarian and constitutional crisis. A sitting Member of Parliament, chosen by the people of Kashmir in a historic mandate, is being denied his fundamental right to represent them. 

The question is simple: if democracy means rule by the people, how can their chosen representative be kept away from the House meant to voice their concerns?

A Democratic Failure?

The silence from political quarters is deafening. Where are the voices of fellow parliamentarians? Why aren’t those who champion democracy and justice raising their concerns? 

The demand for Er Rashid’s release isn’t about ideology; it is about fairness, representation, and the rule of law.

His continued incarceration, despite being an elected MP, undermines the very principles India stands for.

 If the system fails to ensure his rightful place in Parliament, what message does it send to the people of Kashmir, and more broadly, to all Indian citizens who believe in democracy?

Time for Intervention

This moment calls for urgent intervention from civil society, legal experts, and political leaders across party lines. If Er Rashid’s struggle is ignored today, it sets a dangerous precedent—one where the will of the people can be disregarded without consequence.

India’s democracy has withstood many tests, but this one is particularly defining. Will justice prevail, or will silence continue to erode the democratic values we claim to uphold?