National Desk
5 July
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant political development, Waris Punjab chief Amritpal Singh and independent candidate Engineer Abdul Rashid were sworn in as Members of Parliament on July 5 under stringent security measures and conditional paroles.
Amritpal Singh, who emerged victorious from the Khadur Sahib constituency, was taken from Dibrugarh jail in Assam to Delhi for the oath-taking ceremony. Singh, who has been granted conditional parole for four days, faces several restrictions during this period. As per the conditions of his parole, Singh is not allowed to meet anyone except his immediate family. He is barred from making any statements or addressing the media, and he is also restricted from visiting his village or constituency. The Punjab Police team accompanied Singh to Delhi for the oath-taking ceremony, ensuring adherence to the stipulated conditions.
Engineer Abdul Rashid, elected as an independent candidate from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, also took his oath as a Member of Parliament on the same day. Rashid, known locally as ‘Engineer Rashid’, was granted a two-hour parole from Tihar Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. Rashid was arrested in 2017 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a terror funding case. Despite his imprisonment, the 56-year-old leader won the Lok Sabha election, defeating National Conference leader Umar Abdullah.
Rashid’s parole was granted strictly for the purpose of attending the oath-taking ceremony. Like Singh, Rashid is also under tight restrictions during his parole. He is prohibited from making any statements or addressing the media, and his family members are similarly restricted from communicating with the media. Additionally, any videography or electronic transmission of statements made by Rashid during his parole is not permitted.
Both MPs’ oath-taking ceremonies were conducted under heavy security to ensure compliance with the terms of their paroles. Their swearing-in marks a notable moment in Indian parliamentary history, showcasing the democratic process’s resilience even amid challenging circumstances.
The cases of Singh and Rashid highlight the complex intersection of law, politics, and security in India. Their conditional paroles reflect the authorities’ attempts to balance legal obligations with maintaining public order and security.
As both leaders assume their roles in the Lok Sabha, their political careers will be closely watched. Their unique situations underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Indian politics. The developments surrounding their swearing-in serve as a reminder of the diverse and multifaceted challenges faced by the country’s democratic institutions.