Govt Set to be Cornered by Opposition in Assembly
Jammu, Jan 29 (KNC): As the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly approaches, opposition parties are preparing to aggressively raise key issues, while cornering government in the house.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, The Budget Session is scheduled to begin on February 2 with the address of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and will continue till April 4, comprising 22 sittings. Ahead of the session, Legislature Party meetings of the National Conference (NC), BJP, Congress and PDP are likely to be held on January 31 or February 1 to finalise their respective strategies.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the BJP will strongly question the government on several pressing matters, including the issue of Daily Rated Workers (DRWs), establishment of two National Law Universities, and utilisation of the flood relief package in areas hit hardest by flash floods and heavy rainfall last year.
He said the government must take a clear stand on DRWs and ensure that relief funds provided by the Centre are spent in regions that suffered maximum damage. Sharma added that he would actively participate in the Assembly proceedings till the budget presentation before leaving for party responsibilities in Assam.
The BJP Legislature Party, which has 29 MLAs in the 90-member House, will meet on February 1 to chalk out its course of action. The ruling National Conference, the single largest party with 42 seats, enjoys support from Congress, CPM and Independent MLAs.
Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra said the party remains committed to the alliance but will not shy away from highlighting issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“While we respect the alliance, raising public issues remains our responsibility,” Karra said, adding that the Congress Legislature Party meeting will be held shortly. He, however, did not confirm whether a joint NC-Congress meeting would take place.
Sources said the NC Legislature Party meeting is expected to be chaired by party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, likely a day before the session begins. The party, they said, is prepared to respond to opposition queries.
CPM MLA M Y Tarigami said issues related to DRWs, alleged inadequacy of flood relief from the Centre and the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) would figure prominently during the session. He also criticised demands for a separate state for Jammu, calling them detrimental to the interests of the region.
The PDP, which has four MLAs, is also expected to convene a meeting to frame its strategy.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present his second budget on February 6. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has convened an all-party-cum-Business Advisory Committee meeting on January 30. —(KNC)
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