Opposition Demands Speaker’s Ouster Over Wakf Bill Row in J&K Assembly Sajad Lone Calls for United Stand Against ‘Anti-Muslim’ Legislation
Srinagar, Apr 8, KNT: Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed discussion on the contentious Wakf Act, prompting uproar from opposition parties and calls for his removal.
Following the disruption, opposition leaders addressed the media outside the Assembly complex, expressing anger over what they termed as the suppression of democratic debate on a matter of vital importance to the Muslim community.
People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone, flanked by members from other opposition parties, said that the Assembly had a historic responsibility to voice strong opposition to the Wakf Bill, which he claimed carried anti-Muslim undertones.
“This is the only Muslim-majority region in the entire country. It is our right and responsibility to ensure that a clear message goes out from this Assembly to the Muslims across India that we oppose this bill,” Lone said.
Sajad Lone as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust emphasized that the Assembly is meant to be a platform for open dialogue and dissent. “For two consecutive days, we have sought to initiate discussion on the bill. Even an adjournment motion was moved, but the Speaker has refused to entertain it. This is not just undemocratic; it is insulting to the mandate of this House,” he added.
The opposition has now formally moved a no-confidence motion against Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. Lone appealed to National Conference members to support the motion, stating that the Speaker, who belongs to the NC, is failing to uphold the dignity and function of the legislature.
“We respect the office of the Speaker, but he cannot rise above the bill or the prevailing situation. He is there because of the National Conference’s majority. If NC members themselves support discussion on the bill, then how can they defend a Speaker who blocks it?” Lone asked.
He further said that failing to record opposition to the Wakf Bill in the Assembly’s proceedings would be a “historical blunder.” “Tomorrow, history should not mock us for staying silent when an anti-Muslim law was passed. This bill needs to be repealed, and the world is watching what happens inside this House,” he warned.
Describing the situation as chaotic and ironic, Lone quipped, “Sajad Lone is protesting against Sajad Lone, NC is protesting against NC. If we can’t speak here, where else can we speak?” [KNT]
