Omar Abdullah Requests Expungement of Remarks Following BJP Protests in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly
In a notable development within the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a rare appeal to have his own comments struck from the official record. This move came after sustained protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which significantly disrupted parliamentary proceedings, including the crucial Question Hour.
Emotional Admission and Regret Over Remarks
Omar Abdullah openly acknowledged that his statements, delivered on Tuesday, were influenced by heightened emotions. He expressed regret, stating, "I regret if they felt bad about what I had said yesterday." The Chief Minister emphasized that at times, individuals can become "swayed by emotions," leading to utterances that may not align with parliamentary decorum.
BJP's Persistent Protests and Disruption
The softening of Omar Abdullah's stance was directly linked to the BJP's continuous demonstrations. Members of the opposition party protested for over two hours, demanding clarifications from the Chief Minister regarding his earlier remarks. Their agitation was so intense that they even refused to list their questions during Question Hour, a key segment for legislative accountability.
One BJP leader was heard asserting, "Not at the cost of our dignity," when the Speaker inquired if they would proceed with their scheduled queries. This refusal underscored the depth of the political rift and the prioritization of protest over parliamentary business.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations in the House
Without explicitly naming him, Omar Abdullah referenced Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma's conduct in the Assembly. He alleged that while his own comments had avoided personal attacks, Sharma, whom he referred to as the "field commander," had involved his family members, including his parents and late grandfather, in the discourse.
The Chief Minister contrasted this by affirming his commitment to all members, stating, "I cared for them (BJP members) like his own MLAs." He further elaborated on his role as an elected representative, saying, "When I say that I'm elected chief minister of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, I mean that I belong to voters on the sides of both the Treasury and Opposition benches." This declaration was met with applause from the Treasury benches.
Impact on Legislative Business and Voter Concerns
Omar Abdullah highlighted the practical consequences of the protests, noting that the BJP's own questions could not be addressed due to the disruptions. He pointed out that this situation might have been convenient for the government, as some queries could have been challenging to answer. However, he expressed concern that the ongoing "din" would also overshadow discussions on grants and budgetary allocations, particularly for health, education, and social welfare departments.
Emphasizing inclusivity, he stated, "Main nahi chahta hoon ki inke voters jo hain wo ignore ho jaye (I do not want their voters to feel ignored)." This reflected a desire to ensure that the concerns of opposition voters were not marginalized amidst the political turmoil.
Attempts at Clarification and Walkout Aftermath
The Chief Minister revealed that he had attempted to withdraw his statement on Tuesday but was prevented from doing so by the opposition's refusal to allow him to speak. "I had asked them to give me one minute to clear it, but their field commander (LoP) was not prepared to listen," he explained, referring to Sharma's walkout from the Assembly.
Following the walkout, BJP MLAs independently sought clarifications from Omar Abdullah. He praised their persistence, remarking, "One must appreciate the army which did not abandon their position despite their general having left the field. Their commander can leave such a brave army in the field like this, but I will not leave them." This metaphorical language underscored his commitment to engaging with the opposition members despite the leadership's actions.
Broader Implications for Jammu & Kashmir Politics
This incident sheds light on the intense and often personal nature of political debates in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly. The exchange between Omar Abdullah and the BJP highlights ongoing tensions and the challenges of maintaining parliamentary decorum in a charged environment. The Chief Minister's request for expungement, coupled with his expressions of regret, may signal an effort to de-escalate conflicts and refocus on governance issues affecting the region.
