SRINAGAR: Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday after National Conference (NC) lawmaker Bashir Ahmad Veeri made remarks that drew sharp criticism from members of BJP during a session dedicated to paying tributes to deceased leaders.
While speaking on the occasion, Veeri described late BJP leader Ramesh Arora as a “secular man” but said he belonged to a “communal party.” The comment immediately prompted strong objections from BJP legislators, who demanded that the statement be expunged from the record.
Intervening in the matter, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather cautioned the NC member against making such remarks, stressing that no disrespectful references should be made about departed leaders. “Such comments have never been part of this Assembly’s tradition,” said BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma, supporting the Speaker’s stance.
Veeri later went on to call former J&K Governor Satpal Sharma a “controversial figure,” citing one of his well-known controversies about a non-functional fax machine. His comments again drew protest from BJP benches, prompting the Speaker to firmly direct all legislators to uphold decorum during proceedings meant for paying homage.
Speaker Rather reiterated that the Assembly must remain a platform of respect and restraint, particularly when remembering those who have passed away.
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