Govt says no ration card in Rashid’s name, Oppn demands breach of privilege motion

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government today clarified that no ration card is registered in the name of Independent MLA Er Abdul Rashid, who had alleged that his name figures in the Below Poverty Line (BJP) category.
Meanwhile, following contradictory claims, main opposition National Conference (NC) MLA Muhammad Akbar Lone asked for Breach of Privilege Motion to be brought against the one misleading the House.
Er Rashid, Member of Legislative Assembly from Langate constituency in Handwara of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir had told the Legislative Assembly that his name had figured in BPL category and demanded action against the Deputy Commissioner concerned.
However, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Basharat Hussain Bukhari today informed the House that no ration card was registered in Er Rashid’s name in his constituency.
He further said that the ration card was registered under his father’s name. “Er Rashid’s name was also mentioned in this father’s ration card. So the ration card has been shifted to a different category,” he added. “What could be understood from the government’s response is that either the Minister or Er Rashid is lying,” said Lone.
Following Mr Bukhari’s reply, Mr Lone stood up at his seat, saying, “What could be understood from the government’s response is that either Minister or Er Rashid is lying. So, it is my request to bring Breach of Privilege Motion against the one who has misled the House.”
Yesterday, several employees, including a tehsildar, were suspended after name of MLA Chhamb was listed in BPL beneficiaries in Jammu region, raising serious questions on the accuracy of the list. The MLA from Chhamb had earlier complained with the government that his name has been wrongly incorporated in the BPL list. (AGENCIES)