Jammu, October 31 — Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today as three BJP legislators were forcibly removed after entering the well of the House in protest. The disruption followed the Speaker’s decision to reject an adjournment motion calling for a discussion on flood relief efforts and alleged irregularities in the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department.
As the day’s proceedings began with the Question Hour, BJP members demanded a temporary suspension of business to address the recent floods that caused widespread damage to homes, farmland, and livestock across the region. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather declined the motion, citing Rule 58(12), which bars discussion on matters previously denied leave during the Chief Minister’s session.
Despite the Speaker’s assurance that time would be allotted after Question Hour, BJP legislators accused him of reneging on a prior commitment. The situation escalated when MLAs RS Pathania, Sunil Bhardwaj, and Surinder Kumar entered the well of the House, chanting slogans like “Do justice with Jammu!” and accusing the government of ignoring flood victims and avoiding accountability.
Repeated calls for order were ignored, prompting marshals to escort the three members out of the chamber.
Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, criticized the government’s handling of the flood crisis, stating that affected citizens were looking to the Assembly for answers. “We waited respectfully for a resolution that never came. By rejecting our motion, the government has dismissed the concerns of thousands,” he said.
Sharma also raised allegations of corruption in the Public Works Department, citing a media report that claimed tenders worth crores had been awarded in violation of established procedures. He demanded a CBI investigation and called for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resignation, questioning the involvement of senior officials and their proximity to the Chief Minister.
The session quickly descended into a shouting match between opposition and treasury benches, with BJP members demanding accountability and walking out in protest. Outside the Assembly, RS Pathania reiterated claims of favoritism in tender allocations and accused the government of failing to deliver on promises related to employment, food supplies, and electricity.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary responded firmly, inviting opposition leaders to inspect tender records in Nowshera. “If any wrongdoing is found, action will be taken. But these accusations are politically motivated,” he said. Chowdhary also announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the matter and accused the BJP of stalling development in the region.
He concluded by vowing to reveal alleged irregularities linked to BJP leaders in Kishtwar, stating, “They started this, and I will finish it.”
