Bhupesh Baghel: 'Unfortunate that Abdullah is not allowed to attend Parliament session'

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel on Monday called National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah 'unfortunate' for not being allowed to attend the on-going Winter session of Parliament, on account of him being in detention following the abrogation of Article 370 pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to the media, Baghel said that "Every elected member from the panchayat to MP has the right to sit at their designated place in a democracy. It is unfortunate that he was not allowed to attend the Parliament session." 

Opposition demands Abdullah's participation

The Opposition has taken up the matter in a big way, joining the NC in demanding the participation of Farooq Abdullah in the approaching winter session of the Parliament. Earlier on Monday, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stated that "Abdullah should be released from the house arrest and be allowed to attend the Parliament as it is his constitutional right." Along with it, several parties like Congress, DMK and TMC MPs members have been raising slogans like "Stop attacking the Opposition. Release Farooq Abdullah Ji. We want justice". 

Read: Chhattisgarh: CM Bhupesh Baghel performs aarti on Kartik Purnima

Farooq Abdullah's detention 

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah was taken into preventive custody under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in September, with sources stating that his house was declared as a subsidiary jail in order to pave way for this. While there is no bar on meeting relatives and friends, the Parliamentarian is not allowed to leave his residence. 

Read: WhatsApp snooping row: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister orders probe

Winter Session commences

The Winter session of the Parliament is beginning on Monday, November 18, and will undertake almost 35 legislations and will have 20 sittings. The session, which will end on December 13, will see a total of 20 sittings. Currently, there are 43 bills pending in Parliament. Of these, 12 Bills are listed for consideration and passing and seven are listed for withdrawal. Twenty-seven bills are listed for introduction, consideration, and passing. Of the various bills, two of the most contentious bills which the Modi government eyes to pass in this session is the National River Ganga Bill 2019 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019.

Read: Chhattisgarh: Procure rice from State for central pool, CM Baghel urges Centre

Read: IOA rejects proposal to appoint Chhattisgarh CM as state body chief

(With ANI inputs)