"Silencing an Elected MP Undermines the Will of the People and the Essence of Democracy".
OPINION : Er Rashid has dedicated decades of his life to public service, standing by the people of Jammu and Kashmir through the most difficult times. He has always been vocal about the issues faced by his constituents, fearlessly raising their concerns in every possible forum.
His massive electoral victory in 2024 was not just a political success—it was the people’s way of saying that they trust him to be their voice because he is a True Representative, A True Indian.
Now, keeping him away from Parliament, questioning his innocence, and denying him his democratic rights is not just an injustice—it is an insult to the people who elected him. The real crime would be to silence a representative chosen through a free and fair election.
The continued incarceration of Er Rashid and the denial of his right to attend Parliament is not just a legal matter—it is a direct attack on democracy itself. An elected Member of Parliament represents the will of the people, and by keeping him away from his constitutional duty, the very essence of democracy is being undermined.
Whether one supports Er Rashid politically or not is irrelevant. The fundamental issue here is the sanctity of electoral representation. If a man chosen by thousands of voters in Baramulla is not allowed to speak on their behalf in the country’s highest legislative institution, then what message does this send to the people of Kashmir and to the entire nation?
Moreover, Er Rashid’s indefinite hunger strike—now in its seventh day—raises serious concerns. His deteriorating health is a reflection of the desperation that arises when justice is delayed and democracy is compromised. How long can the system ignore his protest? How long will the judiciary take to decide on something as basic as an elected MP’s right to represent his constituency?
The Delhi High Court’s decision to seek instructions from the NIA is significant, but it should not be a delaying tactic. The legal system must act swiftly, ensuring that political considerations do not overshadow constitutional rights. If Parliament truly belongs to the people, then every MP, regardless of their political background, must be allowed to participate in it.
India prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy. That democracy is now being tested. Justice must prevail—not just for Er Rashid, but for the integrity of the democratic process itself.
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