JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 28 (KNS): National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today hailed the passage of the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the Legislative Assembly today, describing it as a significant reaffirmation of the honour, dignity and constitutional rights of the people.

In an interaction with party workers at National Conference Sub-office opposite Maharaja Hari Singh Park Jammu, Sadhotra said the passage of the resolution marked the vindication of the National Conference’s consistent stand that restoration of full statehood is a legitimate democratic and constitutional demand. He said the issue transcends political, regional, religious and caste considerations and concerns every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood is not a favour to be granted to the people. It is a matter of their democratic rights, dignity and constitutional status,” he said, adding that the elected Assembly had rightly articulated the aspirations of the people. Moreover, the Prime Minister and Home Minister of our great Country have repeatedly promised in the Parliament House and outside, and government has also given assurance in the Supreme Court for statehood after delimitation and elections.

Sadhotra said the BJP’s conduct during the proceedings had exposed its position on an issue that enjoys wide public resonance. Instead of participating in the debate and placing its objections before the House, BJP members chose to disrupt proceedings which speaks of immaturity and lack of political sagacity, he added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said that if the BJP had substantive objections to the resolution, the appropriate parliamentary course was to remain in the House, participate in the debate and vote. “By escaping from the debate, the BJP has exposed itself on an issue that is close to the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Sadhotra also took exception to the language used by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma in the Assembly, saying that the stature of the office demanded restraint, responsibility and adherence to parliamentary decorum. He said when the BJP has no point to argue, its leaders take up controversies because they themselves believe in duplicity and political deceit. “The Leader of Opposition occupies an important constitutional position. Differences with the government are natural in a democracy, but they must be expressed through reasoned debate and parliamentary language. Personal and unparliamentary attacks only belittle the office one occupies,” he said. Mr Sadhotra said the Assembly’s resolution should be viewed in the larger democratic context rather than through narrow political lenses.

He maintained that people across Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of region, religion or caste, have a legitimate interest in restoration of full statehood and restoration of the institutional space associated with an elected government. He said the National Conference would continue to uphold the cause of the dignity, rights and democratic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)