JAMMU: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday criticised the National Conference (NC)-led government for limiting the upcoming Assembly session to seven sittings, alleging that the move was aimed at avoiding detailed discussion on public issues and government performance.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma, accompanied by several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, said the duration of the session was inadequate to discuss issues affecting people across the Union Territory.
According to Sharma, while seven sittings have been notified, one day has been earmarked for the commencement of proceedings and another for “business, if any”, leaving only about five effective working days for legislative business and debates.
He alleged that such a schedule would not allow sufficient time for raising public concerns and holding the government accountable. Sharma said BJP legislators had gathered feedback from across Jammu and Kashmir and were prepared to raise a wide range of issues in the Assembly.
The BJP leader claimed that residents had expressed concerns over governance, public services and alleged corruption, and expected their elected representatives to seek answers from the government through the Assembly.
Sharma also questioned the conduct of the Business Advisory Committee proceedings, alleging that Opposition members were not given adequate opportunity to deliberate on the duration and agenda of the session. He said the committee meeting had been reduced to a formality because decisions had already been finalised.
Demanding an extension of the session, Sharma said the Assembly should sit for at least a month to enable comprehensive discussion on public issues.
He further urged the Speaker to act impartially and ensure adequate time for legislative debate, maintaining that the Assembly was a forum for addressing the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP leaders said the party would continue to raise public issues through democratic and constitutional means and oppose any attempt to limit legislative scrutiny of the government.
