Opposition BJP MLAs in the J&K Assembly entered the House in agitating mode on February 3 with apparently pre decided props-the placards showing map of the UT erupting a political controversy with commotion from all sides. The BJP legislators while holding the maps staged a protest demanding the establishment of a National Law University in Jammu.
BJP MLAs entered the House holding an old map of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, raising slogans and pressing their demand for a Law University for the region. The protest disrupted proceedings and immediately drew sharp reactions from the ruling coalition.
The National Conference and Congress leaders strongly criticized the BJP, accusing it of lacking clarity on Jammu and Kashmir’s current geopolitical and constitutional status. They mocked BJP lawmakers for using an outdated map during an official Assembly session.
NC and Congress leaders pointed out that the same BJP leaders have repeatedly demanded a separate Jammu state, and alleged that their actions reflect confusion and poor understanding of the region’s political and geographical realities.
“This is political theatrics, not serious policy discussion,” leaders from the ruling alliance said, questioning the timing of the protest during the Budget Session, which is meant to focus on governance and public welfare.The ruling parties further accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from key budgetary debates by resorting to symbolic protests inside the House.
Meanwhile, BJP legislators maintained that Jammu has long been denied a National Law University and reiterated that the demand is based on regional aspirations and educational needs.
With the Budget Session underway, the episode has added to political tensions in the Assembly, setting the stage for more confrontations in the days ahead.The demand for setting up the National Law University in Jammu echoed in the Legislative Assembly for a considerable time.
It all began as soon as Question Hour began, BJP MLAs stood up and protested, demanding a Law University for Jammu. “The students are on the streets in Jammu seeking a National Law University; there is anguish among the people. We are not against setting up the Law University, but you should also establish one in Jammu,” said Slathia.
Slathia was supported by other BJP MLAs, who carried placards in support of the demand.Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat questioned the BJP for carrying placards in the House, saying it violated the decorum of the Assembly.Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Lone scoffed at the BJP MLAs, pointing out that the NLU is a state university and not a central university.“It has a mere budget of Rs 50 crore,” Lone remarked.
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