Proceedings in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly were disrupted on Tuesday during the ongoing Budget session in Jammu after a controversy erupted over remarks made by BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa about alleged encroachments on government land. The uproar unfolded soon after Question Hour, forcing an interruption in business as members demanded a resolution to the row.
What Sparked the Disruption
Randhawa, representing the Bahu constituency, said in the House that nearly **90 per cent of alleged encroachers on Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land in his area were from Kashmir, a claim that opposition legislators described as targeting the Kashmiri community.
Opposition members from the Congress, the National Conference (NC) and an Independent MLA protested vociferously, displaying placards and raising slogans, demanding that Randhawa apologies for his remarks. They alleged that his statement unfairly linked encroachment issues with a particular region and community.
Legislators Clash on the Floor
As tensions escalated, lawmakers attempted to enter the Well of the House but were held back by Assembly marshals. NC legislators warned against statements that could defame Kashmiris, while the opposition also accused Randhawa of hypocrisy claiming he had faced encroachment notices himself.
Randhawa supported by BJP colleagues denied attacking any community. He stated he was highlighting an encroachment problem in his constituency and reiterated that if his words were proven to insult any group, he was willing to withdraw them.
Speaker Attempts to Restore Order
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly urged members to maintain decorum and allowed interventions from both sides, but the argument continued as lawmakers expressed strong views about regional sensitivities and legislative conduct.