Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions and heated exchanges on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma rejected the Government’s claims “lock, stock and barrel” during his speech in the Budget discussion, triggering strong protests from ruling National Conference (NC) members.
As Sharma defended the abrogation of Article 370 and criticized the Omar Abdullah-led Government, NC MLAs raised objections over certain remarks, leading to loud protests and sloganeering. Sharma responded sharply, asking protesting members to sit down and warning that he could expose alleged backdoor dealings during the recent Rajya Sabha elections for J&K seats.
He claimed he was aware of who did what during the elections and cautioned members not to force him to reveal details. His remarks led to uproar, with Minister for Youth and Sports Satish Sharma, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi and others demanding that he disclose the names. Satish Sharma accused the LoP of misleading the House and alleged that he himself moved around through the night before the election to manage numbers.
Further chaos erupted when Sunil Sharma alleged that a member of the House had effectively challenged the Constitution of India by comparing it with the US Constitution. NC legislators strongly objected, saying no such statement had been made. BJP MLAs, including Vikram Randhawa, R.S. Pathania and Rajeev Jasrotia, joined the LoP in countering the ruling party members.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary sought the Speaker’s intervention, calling the allegation serious and demanding that the LoP name the member he was referring to. The Speaker repeatedly appealed for order, but disruptions continued.
In his speech, Sunil Sharma accused the Government of failing to fulfill election promises and taking credit for Central schemes. He said the Government shifts responsibility to the Centre when questioned but claims credit when benefits are delivered. He asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 brought major positive changes in J&K, including jobs for terror victim families, and thanked Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for facilitating such appointments.
He also raised issues related to unemployment and regularisation of daily wagers.
