Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 29
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said legislatures should remain forums for debate as he watched proceedings from the Speaker’s Gallery.
Farooq, who made a guest appearance during Zero Hour, remained in the gallery until the Assembly was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather welcomed him to the House.
Farooq watched his son, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, lead the treasury benches as several government bills were considered.
During the session, the Assembly withdrew bills seeking changes to the salaries of ministers and legislators but passed a bill concerning pensions of former lawmakers.
Farooq also witnessed an exchange over the Assembly’s 2000 autonomy resolution.
BJP MLA P K Gupta said his late father and former legislator Shiv Charan Gupta had not supported the resolution.
Omar then said he had been asked by the party leadership to clarify the record. He said Shiv Charan Gupta had not voted in favour of the resolution and had walked out, but had also not voted against it.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Farooq said assemblies and Parliament were intended for discussion between the government and opposition.
“Members speak, and the government replies. I pray to God that it continues like this,” he said.
