Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 30 National Conference (NC) spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said today that Member of Parliament Aga Ruhulla Mehdi will strongly respond to the Waqf Amendment Bill during the upcoming Budget session.
Speaking to reporters, Sadiq noted that with the joint Parliamentary panel adopting the Waqf Amendment Bill, certain aspects need to be examined. “The BJP has a majority, but the concerns of those associated with the Waqf Board must be considered,” he said. He added that as soon as the issue arises in Parliament, “our MPs will speak firmly on it, and you will know our stance.”
When asked whether the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir was preventing the Omar Abdullah-led government from effectively representing the people, Sadiq admitted there was a problem. “There is no doubt that a dual power system weakens institutions and creates uncertainty. People have voted with great hope, and they want their mandate to be respected,” he said. Click here to watch video
He emphasized that Statehood should be restored in the budget session to better address public concerns. “If Statehood is restored, many of our problems will be reduced. We will work to resolve issues faced by the unemployed, daily wage workers, and other affected sections,” he said.
Sadiq also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks in Sonamarg, saying, “We are hopeful. Once the budget session is over, we will see what the Prime Minister has to say.”
He reiterated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had given a huge mandate in the Assembly polls, and it should be honored. “People have big aspirations, and they want their issues to be addressed. However, due to the dual power system in Jammu and Kashmir, some matters are facing delays. This needs to be corrected,” he added. For this reason, he said “we are demanding the early restoration of Statehood. If it happens, we will be able to address public concerns more effectively,” he said.
Sadiq said the Chief Minister had assured that the budget would focus on public welfare. “We will engage people from different backgrounds and consider their input. Earlier, the budget was prepared elsewhere, but now we will ensure a more inclusive approach,” he stated.