What Sparked the Uproar in J&K Assembly Over RS Cross-Voting and MLA’s Detention?
Synopsis
A storm brewed in the J&K Assembly as allegations of cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections and the detention of Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik, took center stage. Accusations of collusion and demands for justice led to heated exchanges between the National Conference and BJP legislators.
Key Takeaways
Accusations of cross-voting have sparked significant political tensions in J&K.
Detention of MLA Mehraj Malik is viewed by many as politically motivated.
Both National Conference and BJP are engaged in a war of words over the allegations.
The issue reflects broader concerns about governance and dissent in J&K.
Calls for discussions on Malik's detention emphasize the Assembly's authority.
Srinagar, Oct 27 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections and the detention of Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik, ignited a significant uproar in the J&K Assembly on Monday, with members from the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchanging accusations.
The topic of cross-voting was raised during the question hour in the J&K Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary accused the BJP of “stealing” four votes in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
“Yesterday, you stole four votes. If I start speaking, no one will remain seated here. Let us allow a secret to remain a secret,” the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
These comments incited a heated exchange between the two parties, with NC legislators labeling BJP members as “vote chor” (vote stealers).
During the commotion, Peoples Conference president and MLA, Sajad Gani Lone, accused both NC and BJP of collusion, claiming, “It was match-fixing.”
Additionally, the detention of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, under the Public Safety Act (PSA) during question hour led to further heated exchanges among legislators.
This matter was discussed on the second day of the autumn session, following a first day reserved for obituary references.
NC MLA Sajjad Shaheen demanded an hour-long discussion on Malik’s “unjustified” detention, with several members supporting him in calling for the immediate revocation of the PSA order.
NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan contended that the Assembly's authority is supreme, even above the courts, insisting that the House must investigate the reasons for Malik’s detention.
However, BJP MLAs opposed this demand, arguing that the matter was sub judice and thus not appropriate for Assembly discussion.
Some BJP members accused their counterparts of trying to politicize a legal issue, stating, “Such issues should not be brought to the floor when due process of law is already underway.”
The tension resulted in a brief uproar until the Speaker intervened, assuring that all members would be permitted to address matters of public significance according to the procedural rules.
Support for Shaheen's demand came from several legislators, including those from the PDP and NC, who labeled Mehraj Malik’s detention as unjust and politically motivated.
They asserted that the issue reflects a broader trend of using preventive detentions to silence dissenting voices in J&K.
Point of View
It is essential to present the facts surrounding the uproar in the J&K Assembly. The accusations of cross-voting and the contentious detention of MLA Mehraj Malik highlight significant political tensions in the region. While both parties assert their positions, it’s crucial to maintain focus on the implications for governance and public trust.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the uproar in the J&K Assembly?
The uproar was triggered by allegations of cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections and the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik.
Who accused whom of vote stealing?
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary accused the BJP of stealing four votes in the Rajya Sabha elections.
What was the response from the BJP MLAs regarding Malik's detention?
BJP MLAs objected to discussing Malik's detention, arguing that the matter was sub judice.
What did NC legislators demand concerning Malik's detention?
NC legislators demanded an hour-long discussion on Mehraj Malik's unjustified detention and called for the immediate revocation of the PSA order.
What is the significance of this incident in J&K politics?
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between political parties in J&K and raises concerns about the use of preventive detentions to suppress dissent.
