BJP Disruption Leads to Adjournment of Jammu Assembly Session

The Legislative Assembly in Jammu was adjourned on March 6, 2024, after a significant disruption caused by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The uproar stemmed from the party’s protests against alleged police action targeting students who have been advocating for the establishment of a proposed National Law University (NLU) in the region.

The commotion erupted during a discussion on budget grants when BJP MLA RS Pathania raised concerns about the police’s treatment of the protesting students. At that moment, Assembly Chair Mubarak Gul presided over the session. Just ten minutes before the scheduled adjournment of the House, BJP members displayed pamphlets proclaiming “NLU for Jammu” and demanded a dedicated discussion on the issue.

In response to the protests, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary characterized the demonstration as “pre-planned,” referencing the pamphlets in the hands of BJP legislators. He questioned whether the BJP was protesting against the Union Home Minister, pointing out that law and order fall under the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction. Choudhary remarked that the citizens of Jammu were well aware of the BJP’s political strategies.

As the BJP members continued their chants, National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi condemned the alleged police actions against the students. He urged BJP members to relocate their protest outside the Lok Niwas to avoid disrupting the assembly proceedings. The tension escalated when some BJP legislators left their seats and approached the Well of the House, reiterating their demand for the establishment of an NLU in Jammu.

Minister Satish Sharma advised BJP members to address their grievances with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, emphasizing that the police administration is not subject to the elected government’s control. He stated, “Those responsible for action against students should be punished, but BJP members should discuss it with the L-G. They are only provoking the students.”

As protests continued unabated, the Speaker ultimately decided to adjourn the assembly for the day. Following the session, several BJP MLAs visited the local police station where detained students were held, assuring them of the party’s support for the establishment of the proposed NLU in Jammu.

The demand for the National Law University has prompted widespread demonstrations across Jammu, with student organizations actively participating in protests over recent months. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between political factions and student advocacy groups regarding educational reforms in the region.