Followed rules in disallowing discussion on Waqf: J&K Assembly Speaker

Facing criticism from MLAs of different political parties for not allowing debate on the Waqf Amendment Act, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday said he had decided to disallow it in line with the rules and will not change his ruling.

Asked about the no-confidence motion moved by three opposition legislators, Rather told reporters they are welcome to bring it before the House, which will decide.

“What is the problem? They have this right and the House will decide its fate. If the House has no confidence, then I have no right to be there,” the Speaker said.

He advised the protesting members of the ruling National Conference-led alliance and opposition PDP and Peoples Conference besides some independents to allow the smooth functioning of the House in the larger interest of the public.

The Speaker adjourned the House for the second straight day amid pandemonium as members demanded a discussion on the Waqf Amendment act and protested against his decision to disallow notices of adjournment motions.

On Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other ministers joining the protesting members in pressing for a discussion on the Act, he said it did not matter to him who was raising the demand.

He said, “Whether it is the government, minister, opposition members or somebody else, I have to weigh the statement as per the rules to take a call. If the rules do not allow it, it hardly matters to me who is making the statement. I have made a decision after going through the rules and I will not change my decision,” Rather said.

He said that MLAs not allowing the House to function was their own and public’s loss.

“If they are not allowing the House to work, it is their own loss and the loss of the public because the last three days (of the budget session) were meant for private members resolution and bills and eight each calling attention motions (Monday and Tuesday) besides 40 to 50 questions of public importance,” he said.

The Speaker said the legislators should work for the purpose for which they have been sent to the assembly by the people.

“People have high hopes from us and we should try to fulfil their aspirations. After my ruling (Monday), they should have accepted it. I am there because of their confidence and if they are not accepting (my ruling), it is their loss and the loss of the public,” he said.

J & K