Srinagar, Sept. 24 -- Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Thursday raised concerns in the Legislative Assembly over the powers and privileges of elected representatives in the union Territory,Opening with a direct question to the Speaker, Lone sought clarity on the constitutional standing of MLAs under the union Territory framework.
"Now today we are MLAs of a UT. My question is for you, sir, and no one else. What are our rights? Do we have any privilege?" he asked.
At the heart of his grievance was the overt diversion of constituency development funds and the bypassing of elected MLAs in favour of ministers belonging to the ruling party. "If I, as an MLA, the representative of Handwara Assembly, ...