Srinagar: Three BJP legislators were removed from the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after they entered the well of the House during a protest demanding a discussion on flood victims and alleged corruption in the Roads and Buildings Department.
The incident took place during the Question Hour when BJP members sought suspension of business to take up a discussion on the recent floods that hit several parts of the Union Territory. They said a fresh adjournment motion had been submitted, but the Speaker maintained that the same issue could not be raised again after being earlier disallowed.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma said the government had avoided discussion on the situation faced by people affected by the floods. He said that people expected the Assembly to take up their concerns, but no deliberation had been held so far. Sharma also urged the Chair to halt the Question Hour for a detailed debate on the issue.
During the uproar, Sharma displayed a newspaper report that alleged corruption in the Roads and Buildings Department, prompting slogans from the opposition benches. Members from the treasury side responded with counter-slogans, leading to a noisy scene in the House.
Despite the Speaker’s repeated directions to maintain order, the protests continued. BJP legislators R.S. Pathania, Sunil Bhardwaj, and Surinder Kumar moved into the well of the House and refused to return to their seats. Marshals were then called in to escort the three members out, bringing the proceedings to a temporary halt before the House resumed its business.(KNS)
