SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Thursday alleged that elected representatives were being undermined in decisions concerning development works in their constituencies, and questioned whether legislators had the authority to determine local projects.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Lone said he had submitted a list of roads for his constituency but claimed that his recommendations had been overruled.
“Do we have rights as MLAs? Do we have the right to decide on works in our constituencies?” Lone asked the Speaker.
Without naming anyone, Lone alleged that an “accidental minister” was overriding the choices of elected representatives and said he would not allow such ministers to take decisions concerning his constituency.
Lone also questioned what recourse the Assembly would provide if the mandate of its members continued to be disregarded.
He said the authority of legislators derived from the Assembly and warned that lawmakers could consider other avenues, including approaching the Centre or the Lieutenant Governor, or taking to the streets, if their constitutional position was compromised.
“If today there is breach of privilege, what will you do?” Lone asked, adding that the “sanctity” of legislators came from the House.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia supported Lone’s contention, saying the issue was occurring “everywhere”.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather told Lone that he could submit a notice seeking action for breach of privilege.
“You can give a notice for breach of privilege. Then I will take action on that. There is a procedure,” Rather said.
