Will the J&K Assembly's Autumn Session Spark Political Fireworks?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The session commences with obituary references.
- Expect heated debates on statehood and governance.
- 450 questions and several bills have been submitted for discussion.
- The Speaker has ruled some resolutions as sub judice.
- Opposition parties are well-prepared for confrontations.
Srinagar, Oct 22 (NationPress) The upcoming nine-day autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to commence on Thursday, promising to be a battleground for the opposition.
The session will kick off with obituary references on its first day, with legislative business scheduled across six working days.
Anticipation is high for a contentious atmosphere, as opposition parties including the BJP, PDP, and Awami Ittehad Party, along with some allies of the Omar Abdullah-led government, prepare to demand accountability regarding government pledges on electoral commitments, restoration of statehood, and reservation policies.
Central to the discussions will be three bills proposed by the government. The cabinet has already approved amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017, along with the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishment Bill, 2025.
Expectations are that this autumn session will be marked by vigorous debate, as opposition factions aim to challenge the ruling NC-led government on a variety of issues.
The session is poised for lively exchanges regarding governance, the National Conference's commitments in its election manifesto, statehood restoration, and reservation policies.
The Legislative Assembly Secretariat has received approximately 450 questions, 13 private members’ bills, and 55 private members’ resolutions for deliberation during this session.
Additionally, 33 private members’ bills submitted in the previous Assembly session remain pending and will be prioritized during the business on October 28, designated for private members.
Meanwhile, the Assembly’s Business Advisory Committee will convene in the Speaker’s office on Wednesday at 3 p.m. to organize the timing for House business.
This committee is tasked with recommending the duration allocated for discussing various bills and matters, as per the Speaker's direction in consultation with the Leader of the House.
The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, has previously disallowed a resolution from Peoples Conference (PC) president and MLA, Sajad Lone, regarding the restoration of statehood, ruling that the matter is sub judice and cannot be voted on in the Assembly.