I have to count votes, not influence outcomes: Speaker

Srinagar, Nov 06: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, stated his role and primary duty is to oversee proceedings and count votes, not to influence or alter decisions made by the members.
“My role is to count the votes on any motion presented before the House. If there is a majority, I declare it passed. Beyond that, I have no authority to reverse or send back any decision made by the House,” he explained. He stressed that his responsibility is limited to ensuring an accurate count and announcing the outcome, with no influence over the motion’s content or result.
“The House alone has the power to withdraw or amend any decision it passes; the Speaker cannot override the will of the House,” he added.
Speaker also referred to a Supreme Court resolution, noting that, while there are discussions about minor amendments, these are not intended to alter any laws but to reflect a collective opinion. This resolution, he said, indicates that some past actions may not have been entirely appropriate. However, it is neither an amendment to existing laws nor a change to any Supreme Court ruling.
The resolution allows public representatives to convey the people’s perspectives on the issue, capturing public sentiment. Representatives are expected to voice the views and opinions of the people, serving as a channel for these sentiments without making any legislative changes.
When asked about the BJP’s warning that it would not allow the House to function, Rahim stated, “If they don’t want to let the House run, especially with two important business days ahead, I won’t be a mute spectator. We have to thank the Lieutenant Governor, who addressed the House on the first day. There are rules in place to ensure proceedings continue.”
He further mentioned that Congress has supported the resolution.