Amid growing political impasse in Jammu and Kashmir, reports of IAS topper Shah Faesal and student leader and youth activist Shehla Rashid joining the National Conference are doing the rounds.
Faesal, who topped the 2011 IAS exams, commands a good following in Kashmir. Currently in the US on a study tour, Faesal is known to speak his mind on the issues concerning Kashmir, its politics and conflict.
Rashid is pursuing her PhD from JNU.
A senior NC leader said both Rashid and Faesal have expressed interest in joining the party. ''They have shown interest in joining the NC and discussion on the same will be held after Farooq Abdullah returns from the UK this week,'' the NC leader said, adding that the party believes that Rashid and Faesal can contribute much to the party.
According to sources, modalities are being worked out to welcome them into the party and to assign them roles.
The move to rope in Faesal, who has been heading key bureaucratic positions in the state, is seen as an attempt by the NC to make a statement to the youth of Kashmir that they can contribute to the betterment of the society by joining mainstream politics rather than getting swayed by separatist sentiments.
The NC’s attempt to lure two young faces into the party comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with political uncertainty in the wake of the BJP pulling out of its ruling alliance with the PDP and the state coming under Governor’s Rule.
Faesal, 35, had courted controversy after he posted a tweet that read: “patriarchy+ population+illiteracy+alcohol+porn+technology+anarchy=Rapistan.”
The tweet evoked sharp criticism by the BJP leaders in New Delhi, who demanded action against him. The government issued a showcause notice to Faesal and asked him to explain why action shouldn't be initiated against him.
The outspoken bureaucrat said his tweet was about the rape culture in South Asia and not about any country. He went on to say he has not mortgaged his freedom of opinion for a monthly salary.
Congress president Rahul Gandi came to his support and wrote a letter to the young bureaucrat that read: “I write to you in solidarity against the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to initiate an inquiry for expressing your opinion on the rising incidents of rapes in India. Our founders envisioned freedom of expression to be a fundamental right for every citizen.”
Rahul’s letter further read that this freedom not only allows a nation to introspect on pressing social problems, but also helps us find ways to address them. “I feel it is extremely troubling that the government has singled you out for voicing your opinions. It exhibits an insecurity that is unbecoming of any government. You deserve to be appreciated for identifying and courageously highlighting the issues that plague India. We stand by you in letter and spirit,” the letter stated.