Drama in J&K Assembly: Omar Abdullah Calls AAP MLA ‘Younger Brother’ Amid Seating Controversy

Srinagar: A moment of political drama unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday when Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik, frustrated over his seating arrangement, found himself at the center of an unexpected show of camaraderie from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The episode began when Malik, who represents the Doda constituency, disrupted the proceedings during Question Hour, voicing concerns about the government’s failure to improve power distribution in his district.

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He had earlier raised his voice on the issue of drug addiction, demanding the closure of liquor wholesale stores. However, what seemed to irk him most was his new seat placement—behind opposition BJP members--prompting him to question the move.

As tensions simmered, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather warned Malik to maintain decorum, even threatening to have him marshalled out. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also rebuked the AAP legislator, urging him to respect the leader of the House.

Amid the brewing discord, Omar Abdullah diffused the situation with a blend of authority and wit. Addressing Malik’s complaints, he reminded him that the Speaker determines the seating arrangement, not the government.

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Then, with a smile, he added, “You are in my heart and a younger brother. I would have liked you to sit near me,”. The lighthearted remark sent the House into laughter, briefly melting the tensions.

Responding to BJP member Shakti Raj Parihar’s query, he acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir faces a staggering 50 percent transmission and distribution (T&D) loss in the power sector. The government, he assured, is working to curb these losses, with Rs 86.28 crore sanctioned for loss reduction in Doda district alone. He expressed hope that the work would be completed by next year.

J&K Assembly members, cutting across party lines, voiced concern over rising drug addiction, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to order a discussion on anti-drug measures. Several MLAs questioned the effectiveness of existing efforts and demanded an expert panel and House committee for deeper examination.

Health Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged the crisis but cited a slight decline in new cases since the launch of Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in 2022. She reported that 25,402 addicts received treatment over three years, with inpatient cases rising due to expanded de-addiction services.

MLAs, including M.Y. Tarigami, Nizamuddin Bhat, Mehraj Malik, Arvind Gupta, Yudhvir Sethi, and Justice Hasnain Masoodi, pressed for accountability, with Tarigami demanding answers from past rulers on their failure to curb the crisis