Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 15
Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the government over the schedule for the upcoming Assembly session, saying the limited number of sittings would restrict debate on public issues.
Speaking after a meeting of BJP legislators in Jammu, Sharma said the autumn session, scheduled to begin on September 21 in Srinagar, would have seven sitting days, with only five available for substantive debate after accounting for an opening-day obituary reference and the final day’s business.
“We had anticipated at least a 30-day-long autumn session,” Sharma said.
He accused the National Conference-led government of using the shortened session to avoid legislative scrutiny and questioned the role of the Assembly Speaker.
Sharma also criticised the functioning of the Business Advisory Committee, alleging that opposition members had little scope to influence the schedule or proposed business.
He said an all-party meeting scheduled for September 17 should provide an opportunity to reconsider the calendar and called for a longer session.
The BJP leader said his party’s legislators had gathered public concerns during meetings across Jammu and Kashmir and would raise them during the Assembly proceedings.
“The Assembly is the constitutional platform where the voice, grievances and aspirations of the people are brought before the government,” Sharma said.
The government has defended the seven-day sitting schedule. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said earlier on Tuesday that BJP-ruled states had also held shorter Assembly sessions.
The Assembly session is scheduled to run from September 21 to September 30, with September 23, September 26 and September 27 designated as non-sitting days.
Sharma also declined to comment on the University Grants Commission, saying the matter was sub judice.
