SHAH ABBAS
Srinagar
In legislative assembly on Monday, everyone was taken by surprise when Langate MLA Er Rashid said that he does not accept the constitution of India. The angry members of the house agitated against the remarks made by him and Speaker M Akbar Lone had to read the Oath which every legislator has to take at the time of filing his nominations as a candidate in the elections.
“Rahul Gandhi says that he is a Kashmiri but Dr Farooq Abdullah, a Kashmiri, proudly says that he is an Indian,” Engineer Rashid said while taking part in the discussion about the empowerment and the security of Panches and Sarpanches.
Rashid was interrupted by NC members and even the speaker. “Rashid Sahab tell me are you not an Indian?” the Speaker asked. Rashid responded: “I even do not accept the Indian constitution”. Speaker M Akbar Lone read the oath taken by every member at the time of filing his nomination papers. Pointing towards Rashid Lone said, “He is an Indian at the time when he needs funds for his constituency”.
Sham Lal Sharma of Congress also objected to Rashid’s remarks, accusing him of having double standard. “Rashid is drawing salary from this house and on the other hand he is saying that he is not a citizen of India and then he does not accept the Indian constitution,” Sham Lal said.
The uproar in the house continued for some time, and when Rashid left he pointed towards parliamentary minister Ali Mohammad Sagar saying: “One day, we will exercise the right of self determination, remember it”.
Rashid cried, “I belong to Kashmir which is a disputed territory. ”
Earlier Sagar alleged that Rashid has nothing to do with discussion at all. “He only wants to remain in news,” Sagar said. NCs another lawmaker Nazir Gurezi went a step ahead accusing the engineer of “belonging to (intelligence) agencies”. Gurezi said his recent New York trip was also sponsored by the agencies.
