Heated Exchange in Assembly as BJP MLA Tells Tarigami ‘Don’t Lecture the House’

Srinagar: The opening day of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session on Thursday witnessed a sharp exchange between Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Sham Lal Sharma and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami after the latter made remarks linking the state’s past political developments to the present.

The incident occurred during the condolence proceedings when the House was paying tributes to deceased political leaders. While delivering his address, Tarigami recalled certain historical and political developments, including the division of Jammu and Kashmir, and stressed the need for constructive criticism even on solemn occasions.

“The Assembly should be a forum where truth and reflection are never silenced. Even during condolence references, there must be space for constructive dialogue and critical thought,” Tarigami said, in a calm but pointed tone.

His remarks, however, did not sit well with BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma, who immediately rose from his seat to object. “You are setting a wrong precedent. This is a condolence motion, not a lecture on history,” Sharma retorted. “You are a good speaker, but this is neither the time nor the place for political debate. Instead of paying homage, you are turning this into a discussion on ideology,” he added.

The brief exchange drew attention from several members as murmurs spread across the House. The Speaker intervened soon after, urging both sides to maintain the sanctity of the session and focus on paying tributes to those who had passed away. (KNT)