The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed massive disruptions for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members staged a walkout demanding an apology from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over what they termed “unparliamentary” remarks against them.
As soon as the House convened, BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma rose and insisted that the Chief Minister apologise. He also urged Speaker Abdul Rahim to issue a statement in the absence of the Leader of the House, according to news agency PTI.
However, Omar Abdullah made only a brief appearance in the Assembly. He introduced a bill and left shortly after, even as BJP members continued their protests. Following his exit, Sharma questioned why the Leader of the House had “run away.”
Speaker Abdul Rahim responded by saying that once the BJP had staged a walkout, the issue stood “closed” and could not be revived. Sharma countered, asking how long the Chief Minister would continue to avoid facing the BJP in the House. The exchange soon escalated into intense sloganeering by Opposition members.
The Speaker attempted to restore order and requested BJP leaders to allow the Question Hour to proceed, suggesting they raise the matter when the Chief Minister was present in the House.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo accused BJP legislators of also using unparliamentary language, particularly against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. Choudhary proposed that the Chair review all objectionable remarks made by members from both sides, expunge them from the records, and allow proceedings to continue smoothly.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma rejected the suggestion and maintained that the BJP would not relent until the Chief Minister issued an apology. Later, Sharma led BJP MLAs in a walkout, raising slogans such as “Derogatory sarkar haye haye, unparliamentary sarkar haye haye” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” BJP members also stormed the well of the House, staged a sit-in protest, and displayed placards demanding an apology from Abdullah.
What sparked the controversy?
The uproar stems from remarks made by Omar Abdullah on Tuesday while concluding a discussion on the Union Territory’s budget. Addressing the House, the Chief Minister criticised the proposed India-US trade deal, stating that it could negatively impact Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
He argued that while the seafood industry in Kerala may have been safeguarded, granting zero-duty access to American tree nuts and dry fruits would hurt local walnut and almond growers. He also expressed concern that zero-duty access to US fruits could harm apple growers in the region, calling the agreement a “Sauda” (deal).
During his speech, Abdullah also made comments directed at BJP members amid repeated disruptions. In response, BJP MLAs demanded an apology, alleging that he had crossed ethical and parliamentary boundaries.
Speaking to reporters later, Abdullah ruled out apologising. He said he had been willing to withdraw or rephrase his remarks if allowed to complete his speech but was not given the opportunity. “It’s on the record now. When they didn’t let me speak, there was no need to apologise,” he said.
LoP Sunil Sharma described Tuesday’s proceedings as a “dark day” in the Assembly’s history and stated that the BJP would not allow the House to function until the Chief Minister retracts his remarks and tenders an unconditional apology.
