Jammu: A scuffle broke out on Wednesday between BJP members and AAP MLA Mehraj Malik outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, following his remarks against the saffron party. The altercation unfolded shortly after the House was adjourned, when Malik first became involved in a verbal confrontation with PDP workers over comments he had made about the late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. PDP workers criticized Malik for allegedly using derogatory language against Sayeed, and security personnel had to step in to prevent a physical clash.
Malik, expressing his frustration, criticized the Assembly security for allowing PDP workers into the complex. He demanded that the police arrest those who had allegedly assaulted him. "Whatever I said, I will not retreat from it. He (Sayeed) is a traitor for me," Malik declared to reporters.
His remarks soon led to tensions with BJP members, who took offense at his comments about their party and leaders. BJP MLAs, including Vikram Randhawa and Yudhvir Sethi, confronted Malik, resulting in a scuffle. During the melee, Malik fell onto a table, which broke, and a BJP MLA's shirt was torn in the altercation. Malik was then escorted back into the House by Watch and Ward staff, with the support of NC members.
Despite the intervention of NC members, BJP members attempted to charge at Malik again, but were held back. "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," Malik stated to NC members.
BJP members, on the other hand, claimed that Malik used unparliamentary language against their leaders, with some alleging that he had made derogatory comments about Hindus, which had previously triggered objections from BJP leaders.
With PTI inputs