Srinagar, Feb 22: In preparation for the upcoming budget session, the Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly has announced an all-party meeting scheduled for February 27. This meeting aims to facilitate the smooth operation of the 43-day session commencing on March 3.
According to sources, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has invited two representatives each from the ruling National Conference and the main opposition party, Bharatiya Janata Party. Additionally, one leader from Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Conference, and CPI (M) will also attend. The meeting will take place on Thursday at 11:00 AM in his office chamber in Jammu.
Independent MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan is also among those invited.
“We have ensured that all recognized and registered parties with members in the Assembly are represented,” an official noted.
The invited attendees reportedly include Ali Mohammad Sagar (NC), Mubarik Gul (NC), Sunil Kumar Sharma (BJP), Surjeet Singh Slathia (BJP), Ghulam Ahmed Mir (Congress), Sajad Gani Lone (Peoples Conference), Muhammad Yousouf Tarigami (CPI-M), Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra (PDP), and Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (independent).
The 43-day session starting March 3 is anticipated to be contentious, with opposition parties poised to challenge the government on various topics.
The BJP plans to scrutinize the government regarding its governance and promises made in the ruling NC’s manifesto, while regional opposition parties such as PDP and PC are likely to address issues related to Article 370, the ban on alcohol, and other matters.
Notably, Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone has put forward a resolution condemning the decisions made on August 5, 2019, and is advocating for the restoration of Article 370. Additionally, PDP MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz has proposed a bill to ban the sale and consumption of liquor in J&K. (KNO)
