Sajad Lone locks horns with NC over budget promises
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed intense drama on Tuesday as opposition and treasury benches clashed over BJP MLA Sunil Sharma’s controversial remark branding the martyrs of July 13, 1931, as “traitors.”
The uproar began during the budget discussion when NC MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie criticized the BJP’s governance in J&K and referenced events from 1947. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma interrupted, asking him to speak on 1931 instead. NC’s Altaf Kaloo immediately countered, asserting, “They are our heroes.”
However, when Sunil Sharma doubled down, saying, “They were traitors and will remain traitors,” opposition members erupted in protest. CPI(M) leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami called the remark “derogatory and unacceptable” and urged the Speaker to take action. MLA Langate Khursheed Sheikh demanded the statement be expunged, which the Speaker later approved.
Sajad Lone Challenges NC on Budget, Questions Financial Viability
Amid the heated exchanges, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone took a swipe at the budget, arguing that it reflects the “Naya Kashmir” discourse championed by the BJP in recent years.
“Everything BJP has politically opposed over the past five years is now being reflected in this budget,” Lone remarked, challenging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to explain how his government plans to fund National Conference’s 2014 electoral promises.
Pointing out that J&K would need Rs 60,000 crore to fulfill these commitments, Lone asked, “Where will this money come from? Has the Centre promised you a special package?”
With the Assembly witnessing heated confrontations on historical narratives and economic policy, political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir remain at a boiling point.(DD)
