AAP MLA says BJP encroached State land in Kathua
Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 15: Heated arguments took place today between AAP MLA Malik Mehraj and BJP MLAs after the AAP representative alleged that the BJP’s office in Kathua was illegally constructed on encroached land.
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While participating in the discussion over the grants related to the Public Works, Mining and Industries departments, Malik accused the BJP of illegally occupying land for its party office in Kathua.
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His remarks immediately triggered strong reactions from BJP MLAs, who stood up in protest, demanding evidence to support his claims.
Reacting sharply over the allegations leveled by Mehraj Malik, BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia dismissed his allegations and stated that the BJP office in Kathua had been in existence for over a decade.
“Malik is in the habit of targeting us and our party with false allegations and now he’s doing the same,” Jasrotia said and demanded proof from AAP MLA to back up his statements.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma also challenged Malik to either substantiate his allegations or issue an unconditional apology.
“He must present evidence on the floor of the House or apologize,” said Sharma.
Another BJP MLA, Chander Parkash Ganga, clarified that the land on which the party office was constructed had been legally purchased and there was nothing illegal about it.
He further demanded Malik’s suspension for making false accusations in the House.
As the exchanges grew more intense, Chairperson Mubarak Gul intervened, urged members to refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations.
He emphasized, “A member should make accusations with careful thought.”
Speaking to the media persons outside the Assembly later, Malik asserted that the BJP had been misleading the people of Jammu for the past decade.
“They have done nothing for the people. They have shut down businesses like big trade houses, brick kilns, cement factories and steel factories in Jammu and Kathua. As a result, people are now bringing in bricks and cement from outside Jammu and Kashmir, which is a huge loss of revenue for our economy,” he said.
“I only asked them to clarify their stand on their offices built in every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, but they have no answer. As a citizen of this UT, it’s my right to know the truth. I wanted them to clarify this,” he added.
Regarding the resolution passed in the assembly, Malik said, “I have proof and I will prove my words on the floor of the House. But I will never apologize for what I’ve said.”
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