Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes J&K Speaker, Calls It a ‘Martial Law’ Approach
Srinagar, Feb 23: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, accusing him of suppressing legislative transparency and imposing a form of “martial law” within the House. She asserted that the Speaker’s duty is to protect the rights of Assembly members rather than act as a gatekeeper of information.
Her remarks came after Rather expressed serious concerns over the premature publicity of House business notices ahead of the upcoming Budget session. The Speaker directed legislators to refrain from publicizing bills, resolutions, and other legislative matters, warning that such actions could constitute a breach of privilege.
Taking to social media platform X, Mufti argued that Rather’s stance contradicts democratic principles. “While Rather Sahab may be concerned with preserving the sanctity of legislative proceedings, his primary role as Speaker is to safeguard the rights of members, not to act as a censor,” she posted.
She further emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding legislative activities, stating that transparency should not be misinterpreted as a violation of parliamentary norms. “Making information on legislative notices, questions, and resolutions accessible to the public fosters accountability. Many crucial bills, such as the recent Waqf Bill, have undergone public discourse for months before being tabled,” she added.
While Rathar Sahab may be concerned with preserving the sanctity of legislative proceedings, as Speaker, his primary role is to safeguard the rights of members, not to act as a censor. Transparency and public awareness of legislative activities should not be seen as an… https://t.co/Hc7jfqqgAC
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 23, 2025
Mufti’s remarks come ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Budget session, scheduled to begin on March 3. Rather has maintained that publicizing legislative business before it is formally introduced in the House is improper and could undermine the decorum of the Assembly.
In a separate development, Mufti participated in the PDP’s signature campaign advocating for a ban on liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign, launched in Pulwama by her daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti, seeks public and legislative support for prohibiting alcohol in the region.
Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Mufti urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to back her party’s proposed bills in the Assembly. “I request Omar Sahab to lend his support to these bills. The Speaker’s role should be to protect the rights of elected representatives, not to silence discussions on important legislative matters,” she asserted.
She further cautioned against framing business rules in Jammu and Kashmir that, in her view, would legitimize the “unconstitutional and illegal” decisions made on August 5, 2019. On that date, the central government revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories.
Mufti’s criticism underscores ongoing political tensions in the region, with opposition voices continuing to challenge legislative restrictions and advocating for greater public involvement in governance.
