A dramatic scene unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly premises on Wednesday when a heated verbal exchange between AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and BJP leaders escalated into a physical scuffle. The clash reportedly began after Malik made remarks that were critical of both the BJP and the late PDP leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Malik’s statements sparked outrage, leading to a confrontation with PDP workers, which security personnel barely managed to contain. As tensions mounted, Malik accused PDP workers of assault and criticized the security wing for allowing such elements into the Assembly complex, demanding immediate action from the Superintendent of Police.

Following the initial altercation, Malik’s remarks against the BJP provoked another aggressive reaction, this time from BJP MLAs led by Vikram Randhawa and Yudhvir Sethi. In the chaos that ensued, Malik was pushed, falling onto a table that broke under the impact, while a BJP MLA’s shirt was torn. The situation became increasingly volatile, prompting Watch and Ward staff, along with NC members, to intervene and escort Malik to safety inside the House. Despite the efforts to deescalate the conflict, BJP members attempted to confront Malik once again, underscoring the high political tensions in the Assembly.

Addressing the media after the scuffle, Mehraj Malik remained defiant, refusing to retract his controversial remarks. He accused both PDP and BJP of orchestrating a united front against him and alleged that the police were acting in a partisan manner. “Whatever I said, I stand by it. Sayeed is a traitor in my view,” Malik stated firmly. He also insisted on action against the SP Security and called for the arrest of the PDP members involved in the scuffle. Meanwhile, BJP leaders condemned Malik’s use of what they termed “unparliamentary and derogatory” language, particularly against Hindus and their leaders, further inflaming the already volatile political atmosphere.