Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Erupts Over Charter Flight Spending Allegations
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Synopsis
The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly witnessed a turbulent session as MLAs demanded an inquiry into the significant expenditures on chartered flights, with accusations of bureaucratic corruption and calls for a House committee to investigate the matter.
Key Takeaways
- MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly called for a probe into chartered flight expenditures.
- Rs 35 crore was reportedly spent on flights for the G20 summit.
- Opposition BJP defended the spending as essential for tourism promotion.
- Demands for a House committee were made by both NC and Congress members.
- Assembly session became chaotic with verbal exchanges among members.
Jammu, March 20 (NationPress) A chaotic scene unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday as MLAs demanded an investigation into the substantial funds allocated for chartered flights within the Union Territory.
Members from the ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress insisted on forming a House committee to scrutinize the financial outlay on chartered flights.
While discussing the grants proposed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, questioned the expenditure of Rs 35 crore on chartered flights for various individuals, including attendees of the G20 summit.
“Who has authorized such a considerable amount for chartered flights? Who utilized these flights? Isn’t this a case of bureaucratic corruption? We must investigate how such funds from the state exchequer were allocated,” the MLA raised his concerns.
Support for his demand came from fellow NC legislators, including Javaid Beigh, who all advocated for the establishment of a House committee.
In response, opposition members from the BJP countered the NC's request, stating the funds were expended for the G20 summit and to promote tourism in Kashmir.
BJP MLA Balwant Mankotia advised NC and Congress members to refrain from theatrics.
“This is under the jurisdiction of the Chief Minister, who possesses full authority. He should initiate an investigation. Additionally, all expenditures since 2009, when your government was in power, should also be examined,” Mankotia asserted.
This exchange led to heated verbal disputes and tumultuous scenes within the Assembly.
BJP's Pawan Gupta stated that substantial evidence is necessary, as mere allegations cannot justify the formation of a House committee.
Congress MLA from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, also called for a House committee to investigate the claims.
NC spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq echoed the call for a committee's establishment.
Ultimately, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened, assuring members that the Chief Minister would address their concerns regarding this issue.
