Amit Shah assures draft only be finalised with consensus: Lakshwadeep MP

New Delhi: Lakshwadeep MP Mohammed Faizal on Monday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the new draft laws proposed by newly-appointed administrator Pradip Patel would only be finalised after consulting with local representatives. Faizal had met Shah about the opposition to Patel's recent measures in the island and demanded Patel's removal as the administrator.

"He has assured that whatever laws that are under consideration, they will be sent to Lakshadweep where they will be consulted with the local representatives in the district panchayat. People's consent will be taken into consideration before they are finalised," Faizal said.

The predominantly Muslim population of Lakshwadeep has been disgruntled over the several measures proposed by Patel, including draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (LDAR), draft Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, ban on cow slaughter, two-child policy for those wishing to contest elections and removal of the alcohol ban earlier in place in the state. A group also challenged the measures in court.