High drama unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on April 7 as National Conference (NC) legislators, backed by Congress and PDP MLAs, erupted in protest after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed an adjournment motion to discuss the controversial Waqf Amendment Act. The bill, widely criticized by regional parties, triggered uproar with MLAs tearing copies of the Act, climbing onto tables, and shouting slogans like “Ban karo, Waqf bill ko ban karo” and “BJP ki tanashahi nahi chalegi.” The Assembly was temporarily adjourned as members demanded that Question Hour be suspended to prioritize debate on the bill, which they say directly affects the sentiments and rights of the Muslim-majority population of the region.
NC leaders, including Tanvir Sadiq and Nazir Gurezi, argued that assemblies in other Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Punjab have debated central legislation despite pending court cases. They emphasized that the Waqf Bill impacts religious and cultural rights in J&K and must be openly discussed. PDP MLA Waheed Para and People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone criticized the Speaker’s claim that the bill was sub judice, noting that the Supreme Court hasn’t even admitted related petitions. Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned the Assembly’s refusal to allow debate, accusing the NC-led government of yielding to BJP pressure and betraying the public trust by hiding behind procedural rules.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather maintained that Rule 58 prevents discussion on matters pending in court, citing this as the reason for blocking the motion. However, opposition leaders challenged this interpretation, claiming it was a deliberate tactic to stifle dissent. Criticism also mounted against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not boycotting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju during his recent Kashmir visit, with Sajad Lone calling it “a shame” that the CM accompanied the minister who introduced the Waqf Bill. The BJP, meanwhile, defended the Speaker’s move, calling the opposition’s attempt to debate the bill unconstitutional since it has already been passed by Parliament and approved by the President. The political storm underscores the deep tensions over central legislation in a region still grappling with its unique identity and autonomy.
