A violent scuffle erupted at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday between BJP members and AAP MLA Mehraj Malik following his controversial remarks against the saffron party.
The incident unfolded after the House was adjourned, when Malik was first involved in a heated verbal exchange with PDP workers over his comments against former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. The AAP MLA was accused by PDP workers of using derogatory language against Sayeed, which led to a verbal altercation. Security personnel present at the Assembly intervened to prevent a physical clash between Malik and the PDP workers.
Malik, visibly agitated, turned his criticism towards the security wing of the Assembly, accusing them of failing to prevent the entry of PDP workers into the premises. He demanded that the Superintendent of Police arrest the PDP workers who allegedly assaulted him. Speaking to reporters, Malik insisted, “Whatever I said, I will not retreat from it. He (Sayeed) is a traitor for me.”
The tension escalated when Malik allegedly made remarks against the BJP and its leaders, which enraged BJP MLAs present at the scene. Vikram Randhawa and Yudhvir Sethi, prominent BJP leaders, confronted Malik, leading to a physical altercation. During the scuffle, Malik was pushed onto a table that broke, while a BJP MLA’s shirt was torn in the process.
The situation calmed down when Watch and Ward staff escorted Malik back into the House, with NC members accompanying him for support. However, BJP members attempted to charge at Malik once more, but this time, NC members intervened and held them back.
Malik, determined to press his point, told the NC members, “I want action against the SP Security. I want the arrest of the PDP men. PDP and BJP are together in this war against me. I do not want anyone’s support. I will sit in the House and seek a reply from the Speaker.”
Meanwhile, BJP members accused Malik of using unparliamentary language during his remarks, particularly those directed towards Hindus, which had previously triggered protests from BJP leaders.
