An analysis of performance of Kashmiri MPs in the Parliament shows they were far behind their counterparts from other states in highlighting issues of the state.
The review of their performance, based on key parameters like attendance, questions asked, participation in debates, shows they lagged even behind the BJP MPs from Jammu.
Sample this: BJP lawmaker Jugal Kishore, who represents Jammu-Poonch parliamentary segment, has raised 217 state and constituency specific questions during the past four years. The number of queries brought into the notice of the Parliament by Kishore is more than the total number of questions, 166, asked by all five Kashmiri MPs in both houses of the Parliament.
When compared with firebrand MP from Majlis-e-IttehadulMuslimeenAssadudinOwaisi, the performance of Kashmiri MPs is abysmal. Owaisi has alone asked 637 questions, four times more than the queries asked by the Valley-based MPs.
MUZAFFAR HUSSAIN BAIGH
One of the vocal politicians MuzaffarHussainBaigh, who represents north Kashmir’s Baramulla segment, has asked 19 questions in the LokSabha, related to issues both within and outside Kashmir, during four years. He has intervened/participated in debates just twice during the period, according to data compiled by PRS Legislative Research, a non-profit organisation. His questions centredaround implementation of central schemes and basic issues. He has visited the lower house only 12 percent of the total days it was in session.
MEHBOOBA MUFTI
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who quit the LokSabha seat after she was elected as MLA from Islamabad segment in 2016, has asked 26 questions and participated in nine debates during her two-year stint in the House.
Her questions were mainly focused on problems faced by the people in J&K and issues of militarisation in Kashmir. She clocked 35 percent attendance before resigning from the House.
TARIQ HAMID KARRA
Karra, who represented Srinagar before quitting in 2016, has asked 20 questions and participated in four debates, the data reveals. Karra’s questions were focused on demilitarisation and other issues concerning Kashmir. His attendance stood at 34 percent.
FAROOQ ABDULLAH
The three-time CM, Dr Farooq Abdullah, who took oath as MP in July 2017, has impressive attendance of 66 percent. But he hasn’t asked a single question nor has he joined any debate.
FAYAZ MIR
Mir, who is PDP MP in RajyaSabha, has asked 40 questions and participated in six debates. He has clocked 65 percent attendance.
As reported by Greater Kashmir last year, Mir has asked questions relating to India’s defence treaties and deals with other countries.
He submitted questions related to China’s purported comments on Indian Ocean and presence of its submarines along Indian coastline. The issues raised by him also include technical difficulties during trials of Rio Olympics that caused loss to athletes of Odisha.
NAZIR LAWAY
This PDP MP may have impressive 70 percent attendance but he has only asked 61 questions and participated in five debates.