We won't gag opposition; they keep the govt on toes: Mufti

Asserting that democracy is a battle of ideas, J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed today assured that opposition would not be gagged and it should keep the government on toes.
"It is your (speaker's) duty and our (government's) duty -- we do not want to gag. Opposition has its viewpoint. We will like the Opposition to keep us on toes", Sayeed told the state assembly here today.
The Chief Minister was speaking after Kavinder Gupta was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 12th J&K Legislative Assembly. Gupta has served as Mayor of Jammu three times in the past.
"You (Speaker) are the custodian of the house. I always say that democracy is battle of ideas. I was watching Congress debates in US. Everybody who speaks up makes a point," the Chief Minister said.

"The opposition should highlight the mistakes of the ruling government. I feel that we may have also done mistakes when we were in opposition. Opposition has full rights to... I have full hope that this Assembly, which is everything to us as an institution and this Assembly is more important", he said.
Bating for a strong opposition, Sayeed noted, "Opposition should play their role...Discussions churn out good things. But noise do not make anything. We will say opposition should not remain mute spectator".

The minister also congratulated the newly appointed Speaker and exuded confidence that he will conduct the business of the House admirably.

"I pray for your success and am sure you will conduct the House efficiently by allowing both the Treasury as well as the Opposition Benches equal opportunities in putting forth their viewpoints," he said.
Congratulating the opposition members for supporting the election of Gupta, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said that people have reposed faith in a vibrant democracy and whole House should stand united in strengthening it further.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his brief address congratulated the newly elected Speaker and described him as the custodian of the House.
Abdullah expressed hope that the Speaker would provide equal opportunities to all members to highlight the issues of public interest. He assured him fullest cooperation from his party for smooth conduct of proceedings of the House.

Gupta was also wished by Nawang Rigzin Jora, leader of Congress Party in the House; M Y Tarigami, CPI(M) MLA; independent MLA Hakeem Mohammad Yasin; Er Abdul Rashid and Peoples Conference leader Bashir Ahmed Dar.