Opposition stalls proceedings, demanding an unconditional apology; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah states he was denied the chance to clarify.
SUHAIL KHAN
JAMMU, FEB 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used a phrase that the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed “deeply derogatory.” This triggered heated exchanges, multiple adjournments, and a walkout by BJP members.
Led by the Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, the BJP described the incident as a “black day” for democracy in the state and demanded an unconditional public apology from the Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah, however, refused, stating he had been willing to withdraw and rephrase his statement but was “denied the chance” to do so.
According to The Web Story/The Varmul Post team covering the Budget Session in the Jammu Legislative Assembly, the controversy erupted during a discussion. The Chief Minister—apparently provoked by repeated interruptions—made a remark that the Opposition interpreted as an insult. While the exact phrasing is disputed, BJP members claimed it contained a reference to a “shoe,” which is considered deeply offensive in the local context.
LOP Sunil Sharma told reporters outside the House, “Today will be remembered as a shameful day in the democratic history of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister has crossed all limits of decency. Such language has never been used by any Chief Minister in any Legislative Assembly in India.”
He alleged the remarks reflected “extreme arrogance” and showed Omar Abdullah had “forgotten the dignity and responsibility of his office.” “The sanctity of words has been forgotten. Using such a phrase inside the Assembly is disgraceful and brings disrepute to the House itself,” Sharma said.
The Opposition leader contended that the comment was not merely an insult to BJP legislators but “an affront to the entire institution of the Assembly.” The BJP has vowed to stall proceedings until an apology is issued. “We will not allow the House to function normally until the Chief Minister tenders an unconditional apology,” Sharma stated.
NO REGRET FROM THE CHIEF MINISTER
Responding to the backlash, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ruled out tendering an apology. On the sidelines of the Budget Session, he told the media that he had been willing to clarify or withdraw his words during the debate, but the Opposition did not allow him to speak.
“It’s on the record now. When they didn’t let me speak, there was no need to apologize,” Omar told media persons.
The Assembly was adjourned multiple times as BJP members shouted slogans and gathered near the Speaker’s podium. Proceedings were finally adjourned for the day without transacting any significant business.
