AAP MLA enters into scuffle with BJP MLAs, PDP workers over objectionable remarks

Jammu, Apr 9: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik Wednesday had a scuffle with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) workers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, following the adjournment of the House.

Malik, while talking to media outside the Legislature complex, was criticising security personnel for allegedly allowing outsiders inside the legislature complex. He then pointed towards a few PDP workers, who were roaming around and with whom he had a verbal duel in the Legislature complex on Tuesday for his objectionable remarks against the PDP supremo late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.

Malik, responding to media queries, yet again allegedly used objectionable remarks against PDP.

This irked PDP workers and they entered into a scuffle with him.

In between, Malik also aimed barbs at the protesting BJP MLAs at the stairs leading to the Legislature complex. 

Angered by his remarks, BJP MLAs too joined the cause with PDP workers and caught hold of him and there was an exchange of blows.

Malik was, however, saved by the marshals and other security personnel and they took him inside the central hall. BJP legislators too tried to follow him yet were prevented by the marshals and other LA security staff.

In the Central Hall, Malik saw PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para and again started making objectionable remarks. As Para did not respond, Malik perched atop a desk at the Central Hall and again tried to provoke Para by repeating objectionable remarks against the deceased PDP supremo. He targetted Para by showering invectives and accused him and PDP of acting in cahoots with the BJP.

NC’s Nazir Gurezi and a local leader Sunil Dimple tried to stop Malik yet he remained unstoppable. He then made some remarks targetting BJP members including Vikram Randhawa, who then pounced upon him (Malik). Marshals and LA security staff had a tough time separating them.

In the exchange of blows, a glass table inside the lobby also got broken. Malik was taken inside the adjourned House by the security staff. BJP's Vikram Randhawa tried to follow him yet was prevented by the marshals.

Inside the (adjourned) House, Malik told the Members, mainly those from NC and Congress, that he was beaten up by PDP and BJP members. Everyone was shocked.

Many media persons were still present inside the media gallery while Malik narrated the whole incident to the Members inside the House, including Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo.

They tried to calm him yet Malik kept on shouting, "PDP and BJP have joined hands to spread Gundagardi."

He also criticized SSP Security stating that he did not recognise him and asked about his (Malik's) identity. They did nothing, he alleged, seeking action against the concerned official.

While other members including NC's Nazir Gurezi tried to pacify him, Hilal Akbar Lone got agitated and asked Malik to come along to counter those who had exchanged blows with him (Malik).

However, other members prevented them.

As media persons were trying to record the incident, LA security asked them to leave the gallery and then the central hall also till the House reassembled.

Later, Malik came out after half an hour or so and while speaking to the media, said, “First PDP initiated and later BJP joined them.”