Srinagar, Sep 24: Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone on Thursday alleged that elected representatives were being “undermined and humiliated” and an “accidental minister” was overriding their recommendations on local development projects in their constituencies.
Raising the issue on the floor of the House, Handwara MLA Lone asked the speaker what recourse the House would offer if the mandate of its members continues to be “disregarded”.
“Do we have rights as MLAs? Do we have the right to decide on works in our constituencies? I have given a list of roads, but they have overruled that and they do their own (thing),” Lone said during the Zero Hour of the assembly.
Without taking any names, Lone said he will not allow “accidental ministers” to decide matters related to his constituency. They will not be allowed to “walk over us”, he said.
The MLA stressed that while the sanctity of lawmakers flows directly from the assembly, the legislators would not hesitate to look for other options, including taking to streets, if their constitutional position is compromised.
“If today there is breach of privilege, what will you do? The other options we have is to go to streets or approach Centre or the LG. Our sanctity comes from this House,” he said.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia seconded Lone, saying “this is happening everywhere”.
However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked Lone to submit a notice for breach of privilege if he deems fit.
“You can give a notice for breach of privilege. Then I will take action on that. There is a procedure,” the speaker said.
