Demanding withdrawal of resolution on Maharaja, NC walks out

Opposition National Conference today walked out from Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council in protest against the passage of a resolution to declare holiday on September 23, the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh, and demanded its withdrawal, saying it was passed in violation of rules.
When the House assembled today, NC member BA Veeri along with other party members stood up and protested against the passage of the resolution, saying it was passed in "undemocratic, unconstitutional and in violation of the rules and business procedures" of the House.
The state Legislative Council on January 24 passed a resolution to declare Maharaja Hari Singh's birthday on September 23 as a state holiday.

"We were boycotting the House that day. It was adjourned for a brief period. In the meantime, the ruling members came out, took some of their members to the House to complete the quorum and the resolution was passed.
"It was passed in undemocratic, unconstitutional and in violation of the rules and business procedures of the House," he said.
The NC member said the resolution should be withdrawn as it was passed in violations of rules and in undemocratic way.

After a brief protest, NC members staged a walkout.
Later, speaking to reporters, he said, 22 people were killed in central jail by the Maharaja's forces on July 13.

"We celebrate it as Martyr's day. How can you declared a holiday in the name of those, who are instrumental in massacre? We are opposed to it. We walked-out from the house after protests. Our demand is that the resolution should be withdrawn as it has no locus standi," Veeri said.
About 55 years after the death of Jammu and Kashmir's last Maharaja, Hari Singh, the state Legislative Council passed a resolution to declare his birthday, September 23, as a state holiday after his two grandsons moved the proposal.
BJP member Ajatshatru moved the proposal and it was seconded by PDP MLC Vikramaditya. Both are grandsons of Hari Singh and sons of Congress leader Karan Singh.

Ajatshatru said the contribution of Maharaja Hari Singh needs to be acknowledged and it would be a tribute to him if the state declares official holiday on his birthday.
Hari Singh was born on September 23, 1895 and died on April 26, 1961 at the age of 65. He had signed the Instrument of Accession of J&K to India in 1947 after Pakistani army and raiders attacked the state.
Education Minister and Leader of the House, Naeem Akhtar spoke about the Maharaja but asked Ajatshatru to withdraw the resolution, assuring him that his proposal could be considered.
But Ajatshatru pressed for the resolution, following which it was passed by voice vote even though Khursheed Alam of PDP opposed it.

"We are very happy. Passage of this resolution in the Upper House is a welcome sign in restoration of the glory of Maharaja Hari Singh," Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said.
"He is a symbol of the nation and vicious campaigns have dented his image. This is the first step towards restoring the image of the great visionary and people's Maharaja," he said.