Opposition should use House to raise public issues: Dy CM

Srinagar, Sep 29: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday urged BJP legislators to participate in debates in the Legislative Assembly instead of disrupting proceedings, saying the House should be used to raise issues concerning the people.
Choudhary questioned the BJP’s approach to the ongoing debate over restoration of statehood and said the opposition should put forward its position through discussion in the House.
“Come for debate, not disruption,” Choudhary said, urging BJP members to use the Assembly platform to raise their concerns.
His remarks came amid repeated disruptions in the House by BJP legislators over a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has objected to references in the resolution to earlier demands relating to autonomy and special status.
The Deputy Chief Minister questioned the BJP’s stand on statehood, saying the demand was being raised in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and was not linked to any individual or political party.
The Assembly witnessed protests and heated exchanges after BJP members entered the Well of the House while opposing the statehood resolution. The disruption included raising slogans and tearing copies of business papers, while one BJP legislator conducted mock proceedings from the Well.
Choudhary said the Opposition had a responsibility to hold the government accountable and raise public concerns, but maintained that this should be done through debate and discussion rather than disruption.
The Deputy Chief Minister also questioned why the BJP was opposing a resolution seeking restoration of statehood when the party itself has publicly supported the demand.
The statehood resolution was eventually passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly amid the protests and walkout by BJP members.
Choudhary maintained that the Assembly should remain a forum for discussion of issues affecting the people and urged Opposition members to participate in proceedings and put their views on record. (KNS)