Jammu: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held demonstrations in Jammu on Thursday, opposing Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary’s statement describing Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Kashmir, as a “dictator.”
Defending his comment, Chaudhary argued that monarchs were not elected but appointed, making them autocratic leaders. His statement, made in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, has sparked intense backlash.
During the protest, a demonstrator criticized Chaudhary, stating, “He frequently makes unconstitutional remarks that disrupt harmony, which we will not accept.” Another protester demanded an apology, asserting, “Surinder Chaudhary must retract his words and acknowledge his error.”
Notably, Chaudhary had labeled Maharaja Hari Singh a “dictator” during an Assembly session. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he reiterated his stance, asking, “Weren’t Maharajas autocrats? Were they ever elected?”
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured on Thursday that no member’s sentiments would be disregarded in the House. His statement came after BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma raised objections against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik for allegedly using “offensive language” against opposition members.
Speaking during the Motion of Thanks debate on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, Malik criticized the BJP, stating, “Besides the surge in drug abuse, nothing has improved in J&K since the removal of Article 370.” His remarks triggered a heated exchange, with BJP members demanding disciplinary action.
Intervening in the debate, the Speaker assured the House, “No one will be permitted to hurt the sentiments of fellow members.”
Continuing his attack on the BJP, Malik alleged that liquor outlets, criminal networks, and corruption had increased in J&K. He also claimed that large-scale contracts were being awarded to non-locals, causing financial hardship for residents as profits flowed out of the Union Territory. He urged the administration to enhance tourism and infrastructure to support local livelihoods.
Interestingly, on Wednesday, the AAP legislator from Doda expressed dissatisfaction over his assigned seat behind opposition members, prompting an intervention from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Addressing Malik, Abdullah clarified that seating arrangements were determined by the Speaker, with no involvement from the government.
“You are close to my heart and like a younger brother,” the chief minister reassured Malik.
