Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Feb 20: The Legislative Assembly today witnessed heated exchanges between BJP legislators and Minister Satish Sharma after the latter claimed that several political families and some police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir are involved in the drug trade.
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The issue erupted when the Minister was replying to the discussion on demands for grants of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Training departments.
While concluding his response, Sharma said that apart from other issues highlighted by the legislators, restoration of statehood and the growing drug menace were among the foremost concerns of the people, and that the Government would work to address both.
During his remarks, the Minister stated that the drug problem has emerged as a major challenge for the Union Territory and alleged that several high-profile persons, including some political families and police officials, were involved in the illegal trade.
He said he was even ready to name those involved on the floor of the House and added that he did not fear anyone.
“I don’t fear anyone. I can name those leaders or cops who are involved in the drug trade,” he said.
The statement triggered strong protests from BJP members, including Pawan Gupta, Rajiv Jasrotia, Vijay Sharma, Shakti Raj Parihar, Dalip Parihar, Vikram Randhawa and Mohan Lal, who demanded that the Minister either substantiate his claim by naming the individuals or withdraw his remarks.
“What is stopping you from sharing the names if you have concrete information?” BJP members asked, while objecting to what they termed as sweeping allegations.
In response, the Minister questioned why BJP members were reacting if they were not involved.
As the protests intensified, he further claimed that one BJP leader was also linked to the drug trade, without disclosing any name.
This remark led to further uproar, with BJP members insisting that the Minister either take back his statement or reveal the name in the House.
Amid the heated exchange, the Speaker intervened and urged members to maintain order.
The Minister said he would name the persons at an appropriate time, following which the Speaker pacified the agitating members.
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