SRINAGAR, Sept 28: Four MLAs were marshalled out of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday after BJP members disrupted proceedings while protesting a resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
As Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather continued with the proceedings, BJP MLAs entered the Well of the House and staged mock proceedings despite repeated warnings against disrupting the session.
Amid the uproar, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma raised slogans against the chief minister, prompting a strong reaction from National Conference (NC) members. The treasury and opposition benches subsequently engaged in a slogan-shouting match.
Congress members also raised slogans targeting the BJP-led government at the Centre. Congress MLA Irfan Lone held a banner calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary urged the Speaker to direct the Leader of Opposition to apologise for what he described as "unparliamentary language" against the chief minister.
"This is not a street," Chaudhary said, as the disruption continued.
The situation escalated when BJP members allegedly attacked Congress MLAs with a microphone stand. Assembly marshals intervened and overpowered the protesting members.
BJP MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta, along with Congress MLAs Irfan Lone and Iftikhar Ahmad, were subsequently marshalled out of the House.
NC members protested against the BJP's conduct, while Speaker Rather warned members of strict action for repeatedly disrupting proceedings.
"I will name the members who are disrupting the proceedings and take strict action. So maintain discipline," the Speaker said.
Despite the warning, BJP MLAs attempted to move towards the Speaker's podium, further intensifying the commotion in the House.
