Srinagar, Sep 24: Peoples Conference MLA from Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone Thursday accused an ‘accidental minister’ of humiliating elected legislators by rejecting or ignoring their proposals for developmental works and warned that he would not allow projects to be executed if the concerns of MLAs were not taken seriously.
Speaking during the Zero Hour session of the Legislative Assembly, Lone questioned whether an elected MLA had the privilege to propose developmental works in his constituency or whether such proposals could be rejected at the discretion of a minister.
“If I, as MLA, representative of Handwara Assembly, write that I have to do this, is that privilege of mine or the minister’s?” Lone asked the House.
He said he had submitted a list of roads and other schemes but was told they would not be taken up, calling the situation a matter of privilege, raising questions over the sanctity of the Assembly.
Lone said the Assembly had existed for decades and its institutional authority should not be undermined.
“What has been happening in history for the last 70 years cannot be undone because accidentally the person has become a minister,” he said.
The Handwara MLA, who has also served as a minister during previous PDP led government, said that elected representatives should not be treated as subordinate to ministers when it comes to deciding development priorities in their constituencies.
He urged the Speaker of the Assembly to protect the sanctity of the institution and sought an assurance on what action would be taken if there was a breach of privilege.
“If today there is a breach of privilege, what will you do? What will be your action?” he asked the Speaker.
Lone said MLAs had limited options if their concerns were ignored, including approaching the Lieutenant Governor or the Centre, but said that the Assembly itself should remain the primary institution for raising such issues.
“Our sanctity is here. I urge you (Speaker) to save the sanctity of this institution,” he added.
He also questioned the basis on which funds for developmental works were being allocated, saying such funds did not belong to individual ministers but were allotted and released by the government.
“These accidental ministers, for God’s sake, go and explain to them that this is not money from your house, this money has come from the government,” Lone said.
He said that legislators had fought elections and, within the framework of law, should have a say in deciding how funds were to be spent in their constituencies.
Lone further warned that he would not remain silent if elected representatives were allegedly being sidelined.
“If they think they will walk over us, the question doesn’t arise. Our work will also be done, we will not let anything happen. I promise you this here,” he said in the House.
Lone also sought support from other legislators, including National Conference members, over the issue.
“I put the onus on the Assembly authorities to clarify what action would be taken in the event of a future breach of privilege. I expect an answer on the matter for you sir (Speaker),” he added.
