Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Peoples Conference president and Handwara legislator Sajad Lone raised a pointed question in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday over the powers and privileges available to elected MLAs, specifically regarding their say in constituency development funds. Lone asked Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to clarify what rights members hold under the current Union Territory framework, and whether an elected representative retains the authority to recommend development works in his or her own constituency.
The Peoples Conference chief alleged that development funds meant for constituencies were being diverted, with elected MLAs sidelined in favour of ministers belonging to the ruling party. These allegations were placed on record by Lone during his House address and were not independently verified in the proceedings available for this report.
Lone told the House that opposition members from the Kashmir Valley had shown restraint in their public conduct while pressing for the restoration of full statehood, conscious that intemperate statements could be used to undermine the broader political demand. He asked whether development funds belonged to a particular political party or, instead, to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at large.
The legislator also appealed to the Speaker to protect the institutional authority and dignity of elected members, seeking clarity on what remedy is available to an MLA who believes a breach of privilege has occurred. “If they think they will walk over us, the question doesn’t arise,” Lone said, underlining what he described as a firm stand on behalf of elected representatives.
He added that members could, if necessary, approach the Union Government or other constitutional authorities, but insisted that the Assembly itself must remain the first and primary institution responsible for safeguarding the rights of its elected members. The exchange comes amid a wider, ongoing debate in the Union Territory over the balance of administrative power between elected legislators and appointed executive authority following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
