Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Proceedings Disrupted Over Chief Minister's Controversial Remarks
Jammu and Kashmir assembly proceedings were severely disrupted on Wednesday following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's inflammatory remarks suggesting that Bharatiya Janata Party legislators had been "shoe-beaten" by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The statement triggered immediate protests and culminated in a dramatic walkout by opposition members, plunging the legislative session into chaos.
Background of the Controversial Meeting
According to BJP sources, the controversy stems from a three-day visit by Amit Shah to the region last week. During this visit, Shah reportedly rebuked party legislators who were advocating for separate statehood for Jammu, firmly emphasizing that Kashmir could not be separated from the union. The BJP alleges that Chief Minister Abdullah alluded to this meeting during assembly proceedings without providing specific details, thereby creating a misleading narrative.
Former minister and BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma vehemently denied any confrontation occurred during the meeting with Shah. He described the interaction as entirely cordial and questioned the factual basis of the Chief Minister's sensational remarks, suggesting they were politically motivated.
Budget Debate Sparks Heated Exchange
The assembly flare-up originated during a budget debate on Tuesday evening when Chief Minister Abdullah criticized an India–US trade deal as unfairly detrimental to Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that duty-free imports of American apples and dry fruits would severely harm local farmers and the regional agricultural economy.
BJP legislators immediately objected to this characterization, sparking a heated exchange. During this confrontation, Abdullah referenced the meeting between BJP MLAs and Home Minister Amit Shah, using language so provocative that the speaker was compelled to adjourn the House temporarily to restore order.
Wednesday's Proceedings and Demands for Apology
When assembly proceedings resumed on Wednesday, BJP legislators entered the well of the House demanding an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma characterized Abdullah's remark as derogatory and unprecedented for someone holding the office of Chief Minister.
Abdullah refused to apologize, instead telling Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to expunge any unparliamentary words from the record if deemed necessary. Addressing the assembly, the Chief Minister clarified that his comments were specifically targeted at BJP legislators and involved no personal or family insults.
He further accused Sharma and other opposition members of repeatedly making references to his father and late grandfather during debates, suggesting a pattern of personal attacks. Abdullah warned that continued disruptions could adversely affect members' questions and important grant discussions.
Opposition Walkout and Continued Standoff
BJP members eventually staged a walkout in protest, with Leader of Opposition Sharma declaring: "These kinds of words have not been used by anyone in the assembly's history." He insisted that the Chief Minister must apologize for his remarks, maintaining that such language was unacceptable in legislative discourse.
The incident highlights the deepening political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir and raises questions about decorum in legislative proceedings. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the disruption threatens to impact crucial legislative business and governance matters in the region.
