Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 30: The ruling BJP legislators created a ruckus in the Upper House today demanding an apology from National Conference MLC, Showkat Ganai for raising the issue of ‘Azadi’ on the floor of the House.
As the House commenced its business for the day, BJP members led by Vikram Randhawa stood up and protested against NC MLC Showkat Ahmed Ganai. He said that Ganai has raised anti-India remarks in the House and he should tender apology or he should be asked to resign.
Amid noisy scenes, all the BJP members excluding Ashok Khajuria were on their toes demanding action against NC Member. Charanjeet Singh, Surinder Ambardar, Vibodh Gupta, G L Raina, Sofi Yousuf and Ramesh Arora pleaded with the Chairman seeking his intervention. They said even the objectionable words have not been expunged from the record.
They demanded an apology from the NC legislator. They also entered into a verbal spat with NC members over the issue.
Later Chairman Haji Anayat Ali intervened and told the House that words spoken by Ganai have been expunged so members should sit down.
Ganai on Monday had raised the issue of ‘ Azadi’ on the floor of the Legislative Council, drawing angry protests from BJP members. Later, the Chairman expunged the NC member’s remarks.
Ganai made the remarks while taking part in a debate on the death of two civilians in alleged firing by security forces in Shopian district on Saturday.
Ganai also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and called such incidents as “grim”.
He said the dialogue process should be started with all stakeholders to ensure permanent peace.
Criticising Ganai for his remarks, Minister for Public Works Department Naeem Akhtar said those taking oath under the Constitution should not make such comments. BJP MLC Ashok Khajuria asked Ganai to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. However, NC member refused to do so, triggering an angry exchange of words between both sides.
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