What Caused the Uproar in J&K Assembly Over BJP Kishtwar MLA Parihar's Comments?

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What Caused the Uproar in J&K Assembly Over BJP Kishtwar MLA Parihar's Comments?

Synopsis

Tensions in the J&K Assembly escalated following BJP MLA Shagun Parihar's controversial comments about her constituency's demographics. This led to significant backlash from the National Conference members, highlighting the ongoing political strife in Jammu and Kashmir. With by-elections looming, the political landscape continues to shift dramatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Intense political debates are ongoing in the J&K Assembly.
  • Shagun Parihar's comments ignited significant controversy.
  • The J&K Assembly is currently in a brief Autumn session.
  • Upcoming by-elections may change the political landscape.
  • The NC and BJP remain key players in Jammu and Kashmir politics.

Srinagar, Oct 29 (NationPress) The J&K Assembly experienced intense verbal confrontations on Wednesday between representatives of the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to comments made by the latter's MLA about her constituency's populace.

BJP's Shagun Parihar, who serves as the MLA for the Kishtwar Assembly seat, raised concerns about her constituency and referred to certain regions as possessing a "Hindu population," utilizing the term "Rashtriyawaadi log."

This statement provoked a robust backlash from NC legislators, who vehemently opposed her remarks, resulting in a significant uproar within the House.

In response, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stepped in to restore decorum, ensuring that the session's agenda could proceed without further disruption.

Currently, the J&K Assembly is undergoing its brief Autumn session, which commenced on October 23 and will conclude on October 31.

The ruling NC comprises 41 members, while the BJP holds 28, the Congress has 6, the PDP 3, and there are additional members from various parties, including one independent who has since aligned with the NC. Moreover, the Congress has pledged external support to the NC-led government under Omar Abdullah.

The solitary AAP MLA, Mehraj Malik, who is currently detained, initially backed the NC government but later withdrew his support.

Two positions within the 90-member Assembly are unoccupied, with by-elections scheduled for November 11. The Nagrota seat in the Jammu division became vacant following the passing of the sitting BJP member Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024, while the Budgam seat was vacated after Omar Abdullah resigned from it following his victory in two seats during the 2024 assembly elections.

The BJP has nominated Devyani Rana, the daughter of the deceased Devender Singh Rana, for the Nagrota seat, while the NC has chosen Shamim Begum for the same constituency.

For the Budgam Assembly constituency, the NC has selected Aga Syed Mehmood, while the PDP has nominated Aga Muntazir Mehdi, the BJP has put forth Aga Syed Mohsin, and Mohiuddin Muntazir, the chief spokesperson for Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party, has opted to run as an independent.

Point of View

It's crucial to present an unbiased overview of the current political climate in Jammu and Kashmir. The recent altercation in the Assembly reflects deeper societal tensions and the political maneuvering that characterizes this region. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering informed public discourse and promoting stability.
NationPress
29/12/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the remarks made by Shagun Parihar?
Shagun Parihar referred to certain areas in her constituency as having a 'Hindu population' and used the term 'Rashtriyawaadi log,' which led to significant backlash from opposing legislators.
What is the current composition of the J&K Assembly?
The J&K Assembly consists of 41 members from the National Conference, 28 from the BJP, 6 from Congress, 3 from PDP, and various others, including independents.
When are the by-elections scheduled?
By-elections for two vacant seats in the Assembly are set to take place on November 11.
Nation Press