New Delhi, Dec 4, KNT: National Conference Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday alleged that he was prevented from raising the issue of alleged house demolitions in Jammu and Kashmir on the floor of the Parliament of India, calling the situation a case of “controlled democracy”.
In a public statement shared on social media, Ruhullah said he had been submitting notices for three consecutive days seeking permission to raise the alleged demolition of Arfaz Ahmad’s house in Jammu as well as demolitions reported from Ganderbal district.
According to the MP, his intention was to speak on the issue during Zero Hour and also formally acknowledge the role of Kuldeep Sharma, a resident of Jammu, for what he described as a humanitarian gesture in the matter.
However, he claimed that on the third day, he was informed by the parliamentary marshal that the subject had been declared “controversial” and that the Speaker had directed that such matters should not be permitted for discussion in the House.
Ruhullah further alleged that he was asked to alter the subject and instead raise an issue that was “convenient” for the authorities, a suggestion he publicly rejected.
“Controlled democracy,” he wrote, expressing frustration over what he portrayed as restrictions on raising sensitive issues related to Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
