Umar Abdullah’s “Shoe” Remark Sparks Chaos in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly; BJP Walks Out in Protest

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a major uproar on Wednesday over a controversial remark made by Chief Minister Umar Abdullah during a session on Tuesday. BJP legislators accused the Chief Minister of using unparliamentary language, including references akin to “throwing shoes.”

BJP Stages Protest in Assembly
BJP members created a commotion in the Assembly, gathering near the Speaker’s podium to demand an apology from the Chief Minister for his remarks. The protest began after most opposition members, except Sunil Sharma, returned to the House following the question hour, having temporarily walked out earlier over the same issue.

The BJP legislators continued chanting slogans against the government and pressed for a formal apology from CM Umar Abdullah. However, the Speaker stated that once members leave the House, the matter cannot be raised again.

Protest Lasts Over 30 Minutes
BJP leaders claimed that the Chief Minister left the House upon seeing them enter. The Speaker directed that the BJP’s protest not be officially recorded, and proceedings continued. Despite this, the BJP legislators gathered again near the Speaker’s podium and staged a sit-in protest. During the question hour, the Assembly witnessed over 30 minutes of disruption.

BJP Raises Key Questions
As proceedings began, BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma stood and demanded that the Chief Minister apologize or, in his absence, that the Speaker issue a statement. Sharma said, “Such an incident has never been seen before. The language used by the Chief Minister and the House leader is completely inappropriate for any Assembly. I want to ask the House leader whether he retracts the words used against the BJP legislators yesterday.”

He further added, “If they do not retract, we leave it to their conscience to decide whether the words were appropriate. In the Chief Minister’s absence, the Speaker must respond. It is their responsibility to address this matter.”

Speaker Appeals for Restraint
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather tried to calm BJP members, urging that the question hour continue and that the issue be raised when the Chief Minister is present. He said, “What happened yesterday was unfortunate. Let the Chief Minister come and give a statement if he wishes. I cannot issue a statement on his behalf.”

Opposition Walks Out, Chants Slogans
Health Minister Sakina Itu accused BJP members of using unparliamentary language against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. Choudhary suggested that all unparliamentary remarks be reviewed and removed from the record so that proceedings could continue smoothly. Opposition leader Sunil Sharma opposed this, later walking out of the House chanting slogans such as “Disgraceful Government” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

What Sparked the Controversy
The uproar began during CM Umar Abdullah’s speech on the budget presented on February 6, when BJP members objected to certain remarks, deeming them unparliamentary and demanding an apology. Abdullah refused to apologize to BJP members, stating he was willing to retract his words but was repeatedly interrupted and not allowed to speak. Sharma insisted that the party would not allow Assembly proceedings to continue unless the Chief Minister issued an unconditional apology.

Outside the Assembly, Sharma told reporters, “Today, the Chief Minister did not even take the opportunity to retract his words. We also asked him to come forward and confirm if he stands by his statements. He neither appeared nor was willing to do so. He should feel ashamed. BJP will continue to seek clarification on these remarks.”