Srinagar, Oct 28: Noisy scenes erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected an adjournment motion moved by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking a discussion on the “humanitarian crisis” triggered by recent floods in the Union Territory.
As soon as the House assembled, BJP MLA from Udhampur West, Pawan Gupta, moved a motion to adjourn the Question Hour to discuss the flood-related losses. However, the Speaker turned down the plea, stating the issue had already been discussed and the chief minister had provided a detailed response on Monday.
“This is not the way. I have rejected the motion. The Speaker’s decision is final,” Rather said, urging members to maintain decorum and not disrupt proceedings.
Despite his appeal, BJP legislators continued their protest, shouting slogans of “Jammu k saath insaaf karo” (Do justice with Jammu), demanding relief and fair compensation.
Rather pointed out that Gupta’s resolution on the same subject was already listed for discussion on Wednesday and cautioned members not to waste the House’s time.
The BJP members relented only after the Speaker read out the relevant rule justifying his decision, following which the proceedings resumed.
Meanwhile, the government has estimated losses worth Rs 209 crore to agriculture and allied sectors due to the floods and said a report will be sent to the Centre for relief assistance. (Agencies)
