Srinagar erupted in political chaos on Wednesday as BJP legislators stormed the well of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, demanding an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The uproar stemmed from what they labeled as unparliamentary remarks made by the CM during a budget discussion the previous day.
Tensions had been simmering since Tuesday when Omar Abdullah was wrapping up his speech on the Union Territory’s budget presented on February 6. BJP members took strong exception to certain phrases, rising in protest and calling them offensive. The CM reportedly offered to retract his words, but persistent interruptions prevented him from doing so.
On Wednesday, BJP MLAs, led by figures like Sham Lal Sharma and Sunil Sharma, first walked out of the house before question hour. They returned post-question time only to find the CM had already left. Undeterred, they lined up, chanting slogans against the government and eventually sitting in protest at the well.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather tried to restore order, ruling that issues raised after a walkout couldn’t be revisited and that the BJP’s protests wouldn’t be recorded officially. He urged calm, noting the previous day’s events were unfortunate and suggesting the CM address it upon return.
Sham Lal Sharma, a vocal BJP leader, declared such language unprecedented in J&K Assembly history. ‘This isn’t acceptable in any parliament,’ he thundered, appealing directly to the House Leader. Health Minister Sakina Itoo countered, accusing BJP members of using unparliamentary words themselves, particularly against Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary, and spreading falsehoods.
Deputy CM Choudhary proposed expunging all offensive remarks from both sides to smooth proceedings. However, opposition leader Sunil Sharma rejected this, leading another walkout amid slogans. The standoff highlights deepening rifts in the fragile coalition dynamics of J&K’s legislature, with BJP insisting on an apology before allowing business to resume.
As the house adjourned amid the din, questions linger on whether cooler heads will prevail or if this marks the start of prolonged disruptions in the session. Political observers note this as a classic clash of ideologies, with budget debates often serving as flashpoints for larger grievances.