“For Allah’s Sake, Allow My Bill to be Introduced”: MLA Bashir Veeri Breaks Down Over Reservation Policy | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri turned emotional in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, urging the government to permit the introduction of his bill related to reservation policy.

While addressing the House, Veeri made a heartfelt appeal, sharing a personal account to underline his concerns. He said his only son had moved to London and expressed no intention of returning due to a lack of opportunities. Veeri stated that he had assured the youth of his constituency—many of whom were first-time voters who supported his campaign—that he would raise their concerns strongly, regardless of consequences.

Appealing to the House, he urged members to allow the bill’s introduction, emphasizing it was for the future of the younger generation. His proposal included increasing the open merit quota to 65 percent, implementing the Indira Sawhney judgment, and addressing disparities within EWS, ALC, and RBA categories.

However, when the bill was put to vote, it failed to gain sufficient support. Only four legislators, all from opposition benches, voted in favour, while ruling party members opposed it.

Responding on behalf of the government, Minister Sakina Itoo described reservation as a sensitive matter and said due procedure had been followed. She informed the House that a cabinet sub-committee, formed under the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had completed its report after consulting stakeholders within the stipulated timeframe.

The report has since been approved by the government and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for a final decision. The minister reiterated that the process aims to ensure fairness for all sections without politicising the issue.