J&K Speaker Defends Seven-Day Autumn Session
J&K Speaker Defends Seven-Day Autumn Session
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Key Points
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The Autumn Session is scheduled to run in Srinagar from September 21 to 30, setting the dates and location for the seven-working-day sitting.
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Speaker Rather said the session should remain focused on government business and private members’ initiatives, arguing, “There will be no purpose in a long session. We have to keep it business-oriented.”
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Rather characterized the BJP’s criticism as “a murder of democracy” and urged the party to “look within,” noting that some states hold one-day sessions to meet the constitutional requirement that legislatures convene at least once every six months.
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also entered the dispute over the schedule, joining Rather in countering Sunil Sharma’s criticism ahead of the session.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather defended the seven-working-day Autumn Session set for September 21-30 in Srinagar, rejecting BJP criticism that the short schedule weakens legislative accountability. Rising Kashmir reported that opposition demands for a month-long session sparked heated debate. Rather argued that J&K holds 28 Assembly sittings yearly, exceeding the national average of 24, and noted that brief autumn sessions are common across India, even in BJP-governed states.
Speaker Says Session Must Stay Business-Focused
Rather rejected calls for longer sessions, stating, "There will be no purpose in a long session. We have to keep it business-oriented." Kashmir Life reported the assembly will take up bills including the Cooperative Societies Amendment and TET Exemption Resolution. The speaker emphasized that private members' initiatives and government business must drive the agenda, not extended debate.
Opposition Leader Demands More Time for Core Issues
Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma has demanded a month-long session to tackle unemployment, corruption, utilities and infrastructure failures. Rather countered that even some BJP-ruled states hold one-day sessions to meet the constitutional requirement that legislatures convene at least once every six months. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah backed Rather's position, joining the defense against opposition criticism.
Autumn Session Opens With BJP Protests Over Daily-Wager Jobs
The session's first day turned chaotic as Rising Kashmir and Kashmir News Observer reported that BJP lawmakers stormed into the Well of the House raising slogans. The legislators protested over daily-wage worker regularization and power tariff hikes. Indian Express described "noisy scenes" that disrupted Question Hour, with the Speaker urging order. Rather later accused critics of attempting a "murder of democracy," telling the BJP to "look within."
Historical Precedent: Brief Sessions Under Previous Governments
Rather noted that brief autumn sessions have been held in J&K for years, including during the PDP-BJP coalition government. He urged media outlets to focus on legislative performance and actual business conducted, not disruptions or session length. The speaker's comments reflect a broader argument: productivity matters more than sitting days.
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