What Happened in the J&K Assembly with BJP MLAs and NC Protests?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On February 3, Jammu, a scene of chaos unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as a number of legislators from both the ruling and opposition parties voiced their concerns regarding significant issues. Two BJP MLAs expressed their discontent by walking out, citing an 'unsatisfactory response from the Omar Abdullah government'. Meanwhile, members of the ruling National Conference (NC) organized a 'dharna' within the Assembly grounds, protesting against the recent attacks on Kashmiris outside the Union Territory and advocating for the restoration of statehood.
BJP representatives Rajiv Jasrotia and Pawan Gupta took a stand by exiting the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, voicing their displeasure at the government’s replies to issues raised during the session.
Following what he termed “unsatisfactory and evasive answers” from the government, Jasrotia was the first to leave. Pawan Gupta from Udhampur joined him in solidarity, both legislators demanding more decisive action and clear communication from the government on critical matters impacting their constituents.
In tandem with the protests within the Assembly, ruling NC MLAs protested outside against the assaults on Kashmiris beyond J&K and called for the reinstatement of statehood.
Additionally, Sajad Gani Lone, president of the J&K Peoples Conference (PC) and MLA, submitted three amendments to the Lieutenant Governor’s address, raising alarms about the safety of Kashmiris, the regularization of daily wage workers, and age relaxation for civil service applications.
Among the proposed amendments, Lone expressed regret over the absence of any condemnation regarding the attacks on Kashmiri students, traders, and hawkers across various states and union territories. As the sole opposition representative from Kashmir making amendments to the L-G’s address, Lone also pressed for the long-standing demand of regularizing daily wage workers in Jammu and Kashmir.