J&K Speaker rejects PDP MLA Para’s allegations of denial of cut motions

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On Wednesday, after the question hour ended, the Speaker addressed Para’s comments, which he had posted on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Para accused the ruling party of defending LG’s rule in the Assembly while ignoring opposition questions, alleging that his queries on law, tourism, culture, estates, and the General Administration Department (GAD) were intentionally removed.

Following this, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Para in the House and discussed the issue.

Clarifying the matter, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather explained that the rules of the Assembly (Rule 227) require MLAs to submit cut motions at least three days before the presentation of demands. He pointed out that while Para had submitted some cut motions earlier, an official email from him requesting admissions of additional cut motions was received only on March 17 at 11.37 pm, leaving little time for consideration.

“The House operates based on rules,” the Speaker said, adding that Para had submitted 105 cut motions, all of which had been admitted. He criticised Para’s social media post as an attempt to mislead the press and public.

In response, Waheed Para defended himself, stating that he had followed the same submission pattern as in previous sessions and denied misleading the public. He also claimed that officials had informed him in advance that his cut motions would not be admitted. However, when asked to name the official, he did not provide a direct response.

Closing the discussion, Speaker Rather said, “I don’t want to score points. It is our responsibility to act responsibly. I want to put this issue to rest.”