uproar-in-j-k-assembly-over-bjp-mla-s-hindu-population-remarks

In a dramatic turn of events during Assembly session on Wednesday, BJP MLA Shakun Parihar sparked a major controversy with her remarks referring to certain areas in her constituency as having a “Hindu population” and mentioning “Rashtriya Waad log.”

Speaking during the session, Parihar, remarked, “In our Kishtwar, we are Rashtrawadi Hindu log and we are being neglected; no work is being done.”Her comments immediately drew strong objections from National Conference (NC) legislators, who accused her of making divisive statements on communal lines. The uproar led to heated exchanges and disruption in the House proceedings.

 

Reacting to the controversy, Cabinet Minister Javid Dar clarified that the government objects specifically to the MLA’s statement where she described Kishtwar constituency as Hindu dominated and alleged that Hindus were being neglected by the administration.“Don’t use such words. This government does not discriminate on religious lines,” Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said in the House while referring to her utterance.Dar emphasized that such remarks create unnecessary division and are not acceptable in a democratic institution like the Assembly.

 

Deputy Chief Minister Surindar Chowdhary also countered her remarks, saying, “In Kishtwar, people from all religions are nationalistic. There is no discrimination.”The Speaker intervened to restore order as the opposition continued to protest, demanding the remarks be expunged from the record.Her comments triggered reactions from several members, prompting the Speaker of the House to intervene. The Speaker advised the first-time legislator to maintain decorum and refrain from making controversial statements.

 

“You are a first-time MLA. You have big goals to achieve and must focus on hard work and constructive discussion,” the Speaker told Parihar, urging her to use “measured and disciplined language” while addressing the House.NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan said Parihar, being a first-time legislator, might have made a “slip of the tongue” and advised her to avoid such statements in the future.

Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone also condemned her remarks.