SRINAGAR: A demand for a public holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah triggered an exchange between National Conference and BJP members in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
The issue was raised by Anantnag West MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi shortly after the House resumed proceedings on the second day of the autumn session.
Larmi said September 23 is observed as a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh and urged the government to similarly declare a holiday on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary.
He further said that if such a holiday was not granted, the existing holiday marking Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary should also be withdrawn.
The demand prompted objections from BJP MLAs, who stood up and questioned the proposal to remove the holiday associated with the former Maharaja.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened during the exchange, clarifying that the Speaker was neither the authority responsible for granting nor withdrawing government holidays. He said the member had only placed his view before the House.
MLA Waheed Para also intervened, saying the sentiments of people should be respected. He supported the demand for a holiday on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary and additionally sought a holiday in memory of the July 13 martyrs.
September 23 is listed as a holiday in the provisional calendar of the Legislative Assembly on account of Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary.
