Oppn to target Govt over host of issues
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Oct 22: The nine-day autumn session of the Legislative Assembly that will begin tomorrow here is likely to be stormy as opposition has geared up to corner the ruling coalition Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on various issues.
According to the provisional calendar released by the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, the session will commence on October 23 with obituary references, while business proceedings will be held on six working days.
October 24 and 25 have been declared off-days, the first due to biennial elections for four Rajya Sabha seats from J&K and the second as a non-sitting day.
Government business will be taken up on October 27, 30, and 31, while October 28 and 29 have been scheduled for Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions, respectively.
The proceedings are expected to be stormy, with the opposition expected to target the Government over governance failures, unfulfilled promises made in the NC’s election manifesto, demands for Statehood, and reservation-related issues.
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters that before the session, the legislative meeting of the party was called, in which the representatives of the National Conference and the Independents associated with them, and Tarigami participated and the strategy of the session was decided.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting was held, with all members present, to discuss issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir ahead of the Assembly session.
Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra said that the CLP reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its responsibilities to the people and emphasized its ability to use the Assembly forum with respect and trust.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) are expected to agitate over issues like statehood restoration, reservation rationalisation, and other challenges confronting the region.
As previously reported, the Assembly Secretariat has disallowed a resolution submitted by Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone seeking the restoration of statehood, citing that the matter is sub judice.
The focal point of the session will be three Government bills slated for introduction. The cabinet has already approved amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishments Bill, 2025.
The Legislative Assembly Secretariat has received 450 questions, 13 private members’ bills, and 55 private members’ resolutions for the session. Additionally, 33 private members’ bills submitted during the last Assembly session remain pending and will be given priority on October 28-the day designated for private members’ business. However, many of these bills are unlikely to be introduced in the House.
Meanwhile, the Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly met today in the Speaker’s office to discuss the allocation of time for legislative business during the session.
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