BJP MLAs accuse Speaker of bias
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 7: The members of the J&K Legislative Assembly today criticized the opposition benches for not allowing the House to function and failing to uphold its dignity, while BJP members continued their attack on the Speaker, calling him “biased.”
Since Wednesday, shortly after the Omar-led Government passed a resolution seeking dialogue on the restoration of special status for J&K, the House has been repeatedly adjourned as BJP members staged protests, calling the resolution “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.
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MLA Eidgah and National Conference chief whip in the Assembly, Mubarik Gul, described the commotion caused by the BJP members as unfortunate, stressing that they should have the patience to listen to others as well.
“They ransacked the House, climbed onto the tables, and even grabbed one of the members who had brought in a banner as part of his manifesto. Everyone has a right to speak, and they (BJP) should have patience,” he said.
He added that the Speaker gave them a chance to speak, but they did not. “Now they are creating a ruckus in the House, but they should know that the resolution has been passed and is part of the record,” he said, adding, “Members are here to raise the people’s issues, not to engage in such conduct.” Click here to watch video
Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, MLA Ramnagar (SC) and one of the BJP MLAs marshalled out, said, “This is a black day for the J&K Assembly. The Speaker has shown that he belongs to a political party.”
He noted that their MLAs were marshalled out and injured, but the Speaker did not marshal out Sajad Gani Lone or PDP’s Waheed Ur Rehman Para. Bhardwaj called MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed’s display of a banner a “security lapse.”
“Our objection is to the resolution, which is “anti-national and unconstitutional”. The Assembly has no mandate for it, as Article 370 has already been settled by Parliament and the Supreme Court,” he said.
He added that the BJP will not allow the House to function until the Speaker cancels the resolution, suggesting the Government itself does not want the House to operate.
“We have no secret agreements with anyone. They didn’t want the House to function, which is why they introduced the resolution right after the session began on Wednesday.”
MLA Kulgam and senior CPI(M) leader, M.Y. Tarigami, also criticized the behavior of BJP members, calling it “unfortunate” and pointing out that it was a loss for the people who elected their representatives.
“These members were elected to raise people’s issues in the House. There are pressing issues concerning employees and youth that need debate for resolution. We are losing that opportunity, and it is becoming a loss for the people,” he said.
He emphasized that members should engage in debate and discussion instead of resorting to disruptive behavior, as the Assembly is meant for serious discussion.
On the other hand, MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal Bhagat, who suffered injuries while being marshalled out for “unruly” behavior, accused the Speaker of “bias”.
“We were not allowed to present our valid points. We were manhandled, and in the process, we suffered injuries. We will not allow anti-national forces to prevail,” he said.
He Stated that the special status, promoted by the Government, has only fueled terrorism and separatism and that the BJP will not let this happen.
“We are here to curb anti-national forces. We oppose what they are seeking-special status. J&K is an integral part of India, and we will not allow any dilution of its bond with India through special status,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, speaking with reporters after the House was adjourned until tomorrow-the final day of the session-said that everyone has the right to speak and that the Government wants the House to function.
“What have they done in 10 years for J&K? Jammu has only seen betrayal from them. They sold Jammu’s resources and engaged in corruption in the name of development,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma questioned if the BJP, which claims to represent Jammu, had the courage to seek Statehood restoration from their party high command.
He added that the identities of people from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have been eroded, and referred to the BJP members in the House as “actors.”
“They only speak when the cameras are on them. They should be thankful to the CM, who, without being asked, allocated three Ministries to Jammu. They (BJP) are communal and do not want Jammu to progress,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Sakeena Masood said that BJP members are wasting public money that goes into holding the Assembly session. “They are just wasting time; a lot of money goes into running the Assembly. People elected us to speak for them. What the BJP is doing goes beyond the rules,” she said.
MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar pointed out that there are already safeguards for land and jobs and stressed that the Government has a no developmental agenda to discuss in the House.
“Why are they deceiving people? Why aren’t they addressing the people’s needs? Those who used pellets are now talking about Article 370,” she said.
MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, said, “I wonder how they (BJP members) will face the people of Jammu. Jammu wants to protect its resources, but they label everyone as anti-national. It’s unfortunate that they made inappropriate remarks about the Speaker.”
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