Tuesday, December 21, 2010

BJP submits no-confidence notice against NC-Cong govt

Day 1 : Advantage opposition

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Sep 29: A day ahead of the commencement of J&K Assembly session, problems mounted for National Conference-Congress coalition government, already finding itself on a sticky wicket, as opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today submitted a no-confidence notice against the coalition government, accusing it of being a “complete failure”. Moreover, it would be for the first time after 1996 that assembly session would be held against the backdrop of intensified civil and political unrest.

The no-confidence notice was sent to speaker J&K legislative assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone, by former union minister and BJP’s leader in the state assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta. Confirming receipt of the notice, the Speaker said that he had referred it to his secretariat for examination.

“The decision will be taken in two to three days,” he said.

Claiming that they enjoy the support of some legislators of National Conference (NC), Congress and state’s principal opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gupta said the government had already proven a failure, besides being “absent and invisible” for the last four months of unrest in the valley.

“Taking into consideration all these things, we decided to give a no-confidence motion against the government," he said.

Significantly, in the 87-member House, BJP, with only 11 members, needs support from other opposition parties like PDP and National Panthers' Party (NPP) for introduction of the motion.

Gupta said the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had lost the confidence of people and added that he (Omar) should have “resigned on his own”.

"This government has not only failed to handle the situation in the valley, but has also made life miserable for people,” he said.

Pertinently, the state unit of BJP had also earlier this month demanded resignation of chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

Gupta said the aim of the motion was to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the valley.

"There is a Jammu Bandh tomorrow, natural calamity has struck in Ladakh region while the Valley has been disturbed for four months now and this government is still talking about holding (Panchayat) elections. How can elections be held when all three regions of the state are in turmoil?" he asked.

The problems for the coalition government have multiplied. The Babri Masjid verdict coupled with Jammu Bandh tomorrow would only make the matters worse for the government. Moreover, opposition PDP and NPP had made their intentions clear yesterday after they skipped all-party meet, convened by the Speaker. The Omar Abdullah-led dispensation would be already feeling the heat.

Furthermore, it would be a very momentous and hectic day for police administration to ensure the day passes off peacefully. It is to be seen whether government would impose curfew tomorrow to ensure safe passage for state legislators, including ministerial colleagues of the CM.

It is for the first time since 1996 that assembly session would be held amidst high tension and unrest. Understandably, opposition parties would leave no stone unturned to castigate the coalition government.

The stormy session is likely to witness noisy scenes over civilian killings in police and CRPF firing, issue of revocation of AFSPA, release of political detenues, et al.

Kashmir valley has been reeling under unprecedented spell of unrest since June 11, leaving 108 civilians dead so far and over hundred maimed for life.

The first day of the assembly session has been reserved for obituary references, to be moved by the Speaker to pay homage to former vice-president of India, Bhairo Singh Shekhawat, former legislators, GM Bhaderwahi, Shahjahan Dar, Kumari Shanta Bharti and KC Sharma.

The private members’ resolutions, which would be taken up in the House on October 4, 2010 would be moved by Abdul Majid Wani, regarding uniform policy for promotion of all state employees based upon their performance and target achievements; Javaid Mustafa Mir: release of political prisoners and youths detained by police during the recent unrest; Muzaffar Hussain Baig: transfer of all power projects run by NHPC in the state be transferred to the state; Jugal Kishore: effective steps be taken for securing recognition of Govt Indira Gandhi Dental College Jammu; Mir Saifullah: Kupwara district be given the status of Hill Development Council on pattern of Leh and Kargil; Prof Chaman Lal Gupta: extend 73rd and 74th amendments of the constitution of India to the state of J&K for empowerment of Panchayats and Municipalities; Mohammad Sharief Niyaz: state power generation be taken up on war footing basis in order to give boost to the state economy.

Meanwhile, Congress Party Legislators (CPL) meet was held here today under the chairmanship of CLP leader, Choudhary Mohammad Aslam. The meeting chalked out the strategy for smooth conduct of the legislative session.

The members unanimously resolved that the business of both the Houses should be taken seriously and all issues of public interest debated to facilitate public.

The Congress legislators also hailed the eight-point formula announced by New Delhi for bringing peace and normalcy in the state.

“The package is very comprehensive keeping the interests of all the regions into consideration. Its implementation will mark a good beginning towards resolution of state-centric problems for lasting peace and tranquility,” the meeting resolved.

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for School Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Medical Education, RS Chib, Minister of State for Cooperative and Finance, Dr. Manohar Lal, Minister of State for Power and CA&PD, Shabir Ahmad Khan also attended the meeting.


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