New Delhi, Aug 04: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Member of the Parliament Hasnain Masoodi on Friday voiced his opposition to the NCT Bill 2023 in the Parliament today, stating it as “an assault on India’s federal structure”.
He emphasized that JKNC will consistently resist any legislation aimed at undermining the country’s Constitution. “The bill should not be seen in isolation, it is part of a large plan to curtail the powers divided between centre and the states under the 7th schedule of the Indian Constitution. First, it was done in J&K, now it is being done in Delhi. Article 356, an emergency and restorative provision, was used to make substantive changes vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir, and the pattern is being followed to infringe upon the rights of Delhi too.”
He added, “The bill significantly cuts the powers of the elected legislature to the extent that the Center’s nominated LG can withhold the consent of any bill which he deems outside the purview of the assembly as per the new scheme of things. Here the question arises who will decide what is outside the purview of the assembly? The bill is not being taken in good faith as the elected legislature has been rendered powerless by the ruling BJP.”
