NC MLA slams party chief whip’s ‘dictatorship’ amid chaos in J&K Assembly

Jammu March 13: A National Conference MLA on Thursday criticised his party’s chief whip and his deputy, telling them that their “dictatorship won’t work in this House”, eventually causing discomfort among the treasury benches.

Miffed at being denied the floor, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri criticized his party’s chief whip and deputy, saying that their "dictatorship" wouldn’t work in the House.

Later, the Speaker decided to extend the House proceedings until 3 PM after legislators across party lines demanded more time.

Amidst noisy scenes, lawmakers from both opposition and ruling parties pushed for an extension.

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator Sheikh Khursheed expressed frustration over not getting a chance to speak since the budget session began.

Rising from his seat, he attempted to approach the front desk in protest. "I come from an education background but haven’t been given time to speak on key issues," Khursheed said, demanding time to discuss grants for education, health, and social welfare.

BJP legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia reiterated his call for extending the session, a demand he had been making since Wednesday.

National Conference (NC) legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi also backed the extension, while Congress MLA Tariq Hamid Karra interrupted, saying that legislators were even debating an extension.

"My request is to extend the time of the House," he said.

Education, Health & Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo responded that extending the session was the Speaker’s discretion.

Eventually, the Speaker ruled that the discussion on grants would take place until 2 PM, followed by ministerial replies from 2 PM to 3 PM.