National Conference president and Member Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Wednesday called for thorough examination of the ‘one nation, one poll’ proposal.
“The idea is good provided it doesn’t undermine the federalstructure of India. Consensus on this important issue is imperative and all thepolitical parties must examine the issue threadbare”, Dr Farooq told the AllParties Meet convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
On the issue of smooth functioning of Parliament, Dr Farooqsaid that more onus to ensure this lies on the government, which had to answerthe queries being raised by the members, who represent people and theiraspirations. He said the government has to be responsive to the call attentionnotices and other vital issues being raised by MPs. More responsibility lies onthe government in facilitating healthy and smooth debates and discussions, headded.
The National Conference chief elaborately dwelt upon theagenda point pertaining to building of new India and said the politics of hatehad to be eschewed and an atmosphere created wherein people of all faiths andcastes get equal opportunities in progress, education, jobs and empowerment. Heregretted over the frenzy and polarization created during the recent electionswhich vitiated the atmosphere and said there has to be end to hate politics. Hesaid the minorities nurtured a sense of insecurity. He said secularism is coreof the constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar, which is needed tobe strengthened and sustained at all costs.
Dr Farooq also pitched for celebrating the 150th birthanniversary of the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi in a befitting manner,saying his contribution to the inclusive character of India has beenimmense. “Many of theparticipants in this meeting must not have seen Mahatma Gandhi. When young, Ihad the privilege of meeting him during his visit to Kashmir during the regimeof Maharja Hari Singh. Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah used to haveinteractions with the Mahatma, an apostle of peace, in Birla House. He paidprice for the values he cherished the most”, Dr Farooq said and stressed theneed for teaching various facets of the life of Father of Nation in schools andcolleges. He said the Mahatma fought against the communal forces all hislife.