BJP Writes to Assembly Speaker, Demands Expunging of References to Pakistan in J&K Assembly by NC MLAs

Jammu: Jammu & Kashmir Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma has written to Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, demanding the immediate removal of references to Pakistan made by National Conference (NC) MLAs during recent Assembly proceedings. In a strongly worded letter, the BJP has accused the Speaker of adopting a “selective approach” by allowing discussions that allegedly glorify Pakistan while curbing nationalistic statements.

The LoP has objected to statements within the Assembly that promote engagement with Pakistan and compare development in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) with that of the Union Territory. Calling such narratives “detrimental to the country’s interests,” the LoP stated that they pose a threat to India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.

Referring to Rule 418 of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, Sunil Sharma asserted that the Speaker has the authority to expunge any words that are inflammatory or prejudicial to national integrity. Expressing concern over what it described as a “distortion of deliberative spirit,” the BJP alleged that while pro-India statements are being removed from records, remarks seen as favorable to Pakistan are being allowed to remain. 

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Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the expunging of remarks related to Pakistan, accusing the party of using such issues to divert public attention. He stated that after ten years of BJP rule, Jammu and Kashmir has only witnessed destruction, with businesses shutting down and people suffering. “Whenever we raise real issues, they bring up distractions like Maharaja Hari Singh and now Pakistan,” Choudhary said. 

He criticized the BJP for failing to respond to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s questions and accused them of using historical figures for political gains. Referring to his family’s historical ties with Maharaja Hari Singh’s court, Choudhary condemned the BJP’s strategy of invoking Pakistan whenever confronted with pressing local concerns. “These issues are being raised only to grab headlines,” he asserted, emphasizing that the people of J&K deserve real solutions rather than diversionary tactics.