Keeping in the mind the need to transact business in J&K Assembly, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed on Wednesday stepped in to revoke suspension of four National Conference (NC) legislators.
Both the Speaker and the Chairman of lower and upper house respectively revoked the suspension following the Chief Minister’s intervention.
“With NC boycotting the rest of the autumn session of the Legislature, a healthy debate on important issues concerning the people cannot be deliberated upon. Opposition’s role is to oppose, depose and expose. Democracy is a battle of ideas. We are here to debate,” said Mr. Sayeed.
However, NC working president Omar Abdullah accused the government of dividing the opposition. “Under a well-hatched conspiracy, the government is trying to divide the opposition. Despite the fact both NC and Congress legislators protested in the Well (of the House), only NC legislators were suspended. Till they do not revoke the suspension, we will not attend the proceedings,” said Mr. Abdullah, early in the morning, while staging a sit-in outside the Assembly.
He also accused the ruling parties of avoiding discussion, on issues like beef ban and Article 35(A), by saying it was subjudice.
NC legislator Ali Muhammad Sagar said his party will participate in the Assembly proceedings on Thursday. “We are ready to have a debate on issues like beef ban and Article 35(A),” he said.
Earlier, in the day, opposition Congress members also staged a walked out after the Speaker turned down the party's adjournment motion to discuss law and order situation.
