Sheikh Abdul Rashid Pledges Support for INDIA Bloc if Article 370 is Restored

Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid has announced his support for the INDIA bloc candidates in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, provided they promise to restore Article 370 if they come to power at the Centre. Rashid emphasized that resolving the Kashmir issue is crucial for India's aspiration to become a global power.

Awami Ittehad Party supremo Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer, declared on Thursday that he would support the candidates of the INDIA bloc in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, provided the opposition group commits to restoring Article 370 of the Constitution when they come to power at the Centre.

'If the INDIA alliance guarantees that it will reinstate Article 370 when it assumes power in Delhi, I will instruct my candidates to pledge each vote of their supporters for them,' Rashid, who represents the Baramulla constituency in the Lok Sabha, informed reporters.

Rashid, released on interim bail on Wednesday to campaign for the elections, stressed that addressing the Kashmir issue is vital for India to achieve its goal of becoming a global power. 'For India to be a Vishwaguru, Kashmir must be resolved. If you (Modi) have a better solution, please inform us,' he remarked.

(With inputs from agencies.)