Mehbooba joins PDP's alcohol ban campaign

PDP chief's criticism came after speaker told members that unwarranted publicity of business notices was tantamount to a 'breach of privilege'

- Ashiq Hussain

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said the role of the speaker of an assembly is to safeguard the rights of the members of the House and not act as a censor.

Mehbooba's criticism came after J&K speaker Abdul Rahim Rather told members that unwarranted publicity of business notices was tantamount to a breach of privilege. "While Rathar Sahab may be concerned with preserving the sanctity of legislative proceedings, as speaker, his primary role is to safeguard the rights of members, not to act as a censor," Mehbooba posted on X. "It appears that Rathar Sahab, a seasoned politician, is imposing a form of martial law while occupying a constitutional position," she added.

The Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly is scheduled to begin on March 3.