J&K Assembly Uproar: BJP’s Sunil Sharma Walks Out, Demands CBI Probe into Flood Relief Scam

• J&K Flood Relief Row Deepens: Opposition Demands Transparency, CBI Inquiry into Tender Allotments

Srinagar, Oct 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar on Thursday as the Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA, Sunil Sharma, staged a walkout, accusing the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of mismanagement, corruption, and negligence in post-flood rehabilitation efforts. Sharma charged that despite repeated assurances, the administration failed to submit the mandatory loss assessment report to the central government after the devastating floods in August that caused widespread destruction across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Sharma said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed immense faith in the government’s ability to provide timely relief and rehabilitation, but that faith had been betrayed. “The floods in August brought unimaginable devastation. Thousands of poor families lost their homes, agricultural and horticultural lands were ruined, and livestock and public infrastructure were destroyed. The ministers of the Indian government visited the affected areas, assessed the losses, and asked the state government to furnish a detailed report. Even after months, the loss assessment report has not been submitted to the central government,” Sharma alleged.

The BJP leader accused the government of incompetence and corruption, claiming that tenders worth crores of rupees were allotted in blatant violation of established rules and guidelines. “There has been a massive scam in tender allotments. Contracts were distributed to benefit select individuals with political connections. This is not only a financial irregularity but a betrayal of the flood-affected people who continue to suffer without adequate aid,” he said. Sharma demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities and called for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resignation, saying that accountability and transparency were completely absent in the handling of the crisis.

“A major scam has been unearthed today. Tenders worth crores have been allotted in complete violation of government norms, benefiting a particular section. I ask, who is the MLA from that constituency? Who is the minister from that area? Is he one of the close associates of Omar Sahib? If there is nothing to hide, then refer this case to the CBI,” Sharma said while addressing the House before walking out.

The opposition leader also criticized the government for what he described as “false promises and failed governance.” “Omar Sahib promised jobs, free gas cylinders, regular rations, and uninterrupted electricity. Instead, what have the people received? Corruption, scams, and administrative failure. The people who suffered during the floods were expecting compassion and efficiency, but they got indifference and mismanagement,” Sharma added.