Physical Scuffles and Allegations Mar Legislative Proceedings
Srinagar, 09 April 2025: A Day of High Drama
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed unprecedented chaos on the final day of its budget session as a heated confrontation between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) turned violent. The incident, which unfolded in the central hall of the legislative complex, involved physical altercations, abusive exchanges, and an alleged assault, further tarnishing an already tumultuous session.
The Altercation Unfolds
The confrontation began earlier in the day when Mehraj Malik, the lone AAP MLA representing the Doda constituency, addressed the media outside the legislative complex. During his comments, Malik accused the BJP of using the police to block his entry into the Assembly and leveled serious allegations against both the BJP and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“PDP and BJP are in a tacit collusion,” Malik alleged. He reignited controversy by reiterating his past remarks against former Chief Minister and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, calling him a “traitor” and accusing him of “brokering” the people of Jammu and Kashmir for political power.
The situation escalated when PDP leaders, led by Arif Amin, confronted Malik on the steps leading to the complex. A heated verbal exchange quickly spiraled into a physical scuffle, prompting security personnel to intervene and prevent further violence.
Inside the Assembly
The chaos spilled into the central hall, where Malik resumed his tirade against both the BJP and PDP. BJP MLAs, including Vikram Randhawa, Yudhvir Sethi, and RS Pathania, confronted Malik over his remarks, leading to a verbal clash that soon turned physical.
During the scuffle, Malik reportedly fell onto a glass table, shattering it, and attempted to retaliate by throwing punches at BJP MLAs. Marshals and security staff intervened to separate the parties and escorted Malik away from the scene.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Malik slammed the Assembly’s security wing for allowing PDP members into the premises and demanded the arrest of those who allegedly tried to assault him. “Whatever I said, I will not retreat from it. He (Sayeed) is a traitor for me,” Malik stated defiantly.
Political Fallout
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from all sides. BJP MLAs accused Malik of using foul and communal language, with Vikram Randhawa calling for his suspension. “This man has lost his mental balance. He deliberately spews venom. He is communal, and we know how to deal with him,” Randhawa remarked.
Meanwhile, Malik accused both the BJP and PDP of orchestrating the chaos to silence him. “PDP and BJP are together in this war against me,” he alleged, adding that he would raise the matter directly with the Speaker.
The National Conference (NC) also weighed in, with some members accusing the BJP of using the incident to disrupt proceedings and avoid discussions on critical issues like the Waqf Amendment Act.
A Tumultuous Session
This incident marks the culmination of a chaotic budget session that saw repeated adjournments and protests. For three consecutive days, the Assembly was paralyzed by demands for discussions on the Waqf Act and other contentious issues. The Speaker’s refusal to allow debates, citing sub judice status, further fueled tensions among legislators.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the budget session, the focus shifts to the broader implications of the incident. The physical altercation has raised questions about the decorum and functionality of the Assembly, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
