Srinagar, Oct 2: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday defended criticism of the government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Assembly, saying scrutiny of those in power was part of the House’s purpose.
Speaking to reporters, Farooq said the Assembly was meant for debate and for bringing the government’s shortcomings to the forefront so that it could respond.
“If there are mistakes by the government, they should be brought to the forefront and the government should respond. That is the purpose of the Assembly,” he said.
Asked about the Chief Minister being targeted during the session, he said the person occupying such a position had to face criticism and scrutiny.
“Whoever occupies this position has to face these things,” Farooq said.
On the BJP calling the Assembly’s statehood resolution unconstitutional, he said the party’s opposition to Jammu and Kashmir’s political demands was not new.
“You know the BJP. They have always wanted to keep the people of Jammu and Kashmir subjugated. There is nothing new about it,” he said.
Asked about the BJP’s contention that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s autonomy had no value, Farooq rejected the assertion.
“Who says it has no value?” he said, adding that the BJP had opposed it consistently.
“There is nothing new about it, and we have to confront them,” he said.
