Jammu, March 5: “You hold a special place in my heart, like a younger brother,” remarked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discontented Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik, who voiced his grievances over being assigned a seat behind opposition BJP members in the Assembly.
Abdullah’s comments came shortly after Malik approached him while the chief minister was addressing a question concerning the revamped power distribution scheme during the Question Hour.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather cautioned Malik to maintain decorum or face being removed by marshals for interrupting the proceedings. Malik initially raised his voice during a discussion on drug addiction, advocating for the closure of liquor wholesale stores, then proceeded to confront the chief minister about the government’s failures to address power distribution issues in Doda, as well as to ensure adequate power and water supply.
Malik expressed his dissatisfaction at being moved from the treasury benches to sit behind the BJP.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary criticized Malik for his disrespect towards the leader of the House, urging him to conduct himself appropriately.
In response, the chief minister informed Malik that it is the Speaker who determines members’ seating arrangements. “You are in my heart and a younger brother. I would have preferred you sit closer to me,” Abdullah said, eliciting laughter from the Assembly. Earlier, while answering a prioritized question from BJP member Shakti Raj Parihar, Abdullah stated that Jammu and Kashmir is dealing with 50 percent transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, and the government aims to reduce this figure. He disclosed that Rs 86.28 crore has been sanctioned for loss reduction initiatives in Doda district, expressing optimism that the projects will be completed by next year. (Agencies)
