Heated Exchange in Assembly as AAP MLA Accuses BJP of Land Encroachment Allegation in Kathua
Jammu, March 15: A stormy session unfolded in the Assembly today as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Malik Mehraj leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the party’s office in Kathua was constructed on encroached State land. The accusation sparked immediate outrage from BJP legislators, leading to a heated verbal clash on the floor of the House.
During the discussion on grants related to the Public Works, Mining, and Industries departments, Malik asserted that the BJP had illegally occupied land in Kathua to set up its office. His remarks drew a sharp response from BJP MLAs, who stood in protest, demanding concrete evidence to back his claims.
BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia was the first to refute the allegations, stating that the Kathua BJP office had been in existence for over a decade. “Malik has a habit of making baseless accusations against our party. If he has any proof, he must present it; otherwise, he should withdraw his remarks,” Jasrotia said.
Adding to the rebuttal, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma challenged Malik to provide documentary evidence or offer an unconditional apology for making what he termed as “false and misleading statements.” Meanwhile, BJP MLA Chander Prakash Ganga clarified that the land in question had been legally acquired and demanded Malik’s suspension for what he described as an attempt to spread misinformation in the House.
As the debate escalated, Chairperson Mubarak Gul intervened, urging members to maintain decorum and avoid unsubstantiated accusations. “Every member must exercise caution before making serious allegations. Claims should be supported by evidence,” he remarked.
Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Malik remained defiant, accusing the BJP of misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the past decade. He alleged that the party had done little for the region’s economy and had instead contributed to the decline of local industries.
“They have shut down major businesses, including trade houses, brick kilns, cement factories, and steel plants in Jammu and Kathua. Now, people are forced to import bricks and cement from outside J&K, causing a huge loss of revenue,” Malik claimed.
He further stated that he had merely sought clarification from the BJP regarding the proliferation of its offices across Jammu and Kashmir. “As a citizen of this Union Territory, I have the right to ask questions. Instead of answering, they are trying to silence me,” he said.
Refusing to retract his statements, Malik asserted that he had evidence to support his claims. “I will present proof on the floor of the House. But let me make it clear—I will never apologize for speaking the truth,” he concluded.
The verbal showdown in the Assembly has once again highlighted the growing political tensions between the BJP and opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the days to come.
