Three BJP MLAs were today marshalled out after they stormed into the well of the House protesting against refusal to allow a discussion on the devastation during the recent floods and corruption in the Roads and Buildings department.
The three MLAs, RS Pathania, Sunil Bhardwaj and Surinder Kumar walked into the well of the House. Marshals were ordered to escort the members out, halting proceedings briefly before the session resumed.
The BJP MLAs also staged a walkout to protest the rejection of their adjournment motion for a discussion on the situation in the aftermath of the recent floods in the Union territory.
Despite repeated directions from the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to return to their seats, the three protesting legislators continued to shout anti-government slogans.
During the Question Hour, BJP legislators demanded a discussion on the recent floods, pointing out that they had submitted a fresh adjournment motion on the issue. However, the Speaker ruled that an adjournment motion cannot be brought on the same issue once it has been rejected.
Annoyed over the Speaker’s response, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused the government of evading discussion on the flood situation. “Every corner of Jammu and Kashmir was affected by floods caused by heavy rainfall. People have expectations that there will be discussions on the impact of the floods, but no such discussion has taken place,” Sharma said.
He demanded that the Question Hour be suspended to allow a discussion on the plight of flood-affected people.
Sharma waved a newspaper report alleging corruption in the Roads & Buildings Department, triggering slogans and counter-slogans from both the treasury benches and the main opposition.
The BJP MLAs staged a walkout after keeping standing for the entire Question Hour.
The opposition members also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and an apology from him for “unfulfilled promises”.
As soon as the House assembled, BJP MLAs were on their feet, demanding adjournment of the Question Hour and a half-hour discussion on flood devastation in the Jammu region.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked the BJP members to take their seats and let the Question Hour proceed. “We will see after Question Hour. I will allow him to speak after the Question Hour,” the Speaker said.
However, the BJP members did not relent and continued with their demand.
The Leader of Opposition said there should have been a discussion on the issue on the very first day of the assembly session, and accused the government of running away from a discussion.
“What does the government want to hide? A scam in PWD has been unearthed in the media. Why is the government running away? They want to hide corruption,” Sharma added.
Sharma’s comments led to protests by the treasury benches. With both the treasury and the opposition members on their feet, there was uproar in the House.