The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly's autumn session erupted into a contentious standoff on its opening day during somber obituary references, as members clashed over the legacy of former Governor Satya Pal Malik, who died on August 5, 2025—the very date marking the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.
National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Veeri sparked the uproar by labeling Malik's pivotal role in the revocation of the state's special status as "controversial," prompting immediate backlash from BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma. Sharma demanded the remarks be struck from the record, accusing Veeri of disrespecting the deceased leader who had served as J&K's 10th and final governor.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather declined the expungement request but urged Veeri to honor the departed with restraint, diffusing the immediate tension while allowing the debate to simmer. As the session unfolded, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought to bridge the divide, acknowledging Malik's multifaceted career—from MLA and MP to Union minister and governor across multiple states. "None of us is infallible; we all err," Abdullah reflected. "History will judge us all, but I prefer to believe he acted with good intentions."
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Congress leader G A Mir echoed sentiments of respect, portraying Malik as an "outspoken and popular" figure whose candor came at a personal cost. "He gained from the events of August 5, 2019, but endured struggles too, especially in his final days revealing truths to the public," Mir noted.
PDP's Rafi Naik advocated for unity in tribute, cautioning against negativity toward the deceased despite political rifts. "Differences exist, but in death, we must speak kindly," he emphasized. Naik briefly veered into contemporary issues by mentioning the recent arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, only for the speaker to redirect: "This is an obituary session; he remains alive."
CPI(M)'s M Y Tarigami stressed the value of reflection in such moments. "Obituaries aren't mere rituals—they teach lessons," he said. "We must evaluate public figures' actions respectfully, within bounds of decency, to avoid hollow formalities."
Awami Ittehad Party's Sheikh Khursheed balanced critique with praise, lauding Malik's post-governorship advocacy for farmers and his reputation for integrity. "Constructive assessment is fair, but he was J&K's last governor and an honest voice."
The BJP countered fiercely, with Vikram Randhawa hailing August 5, 2019, as a "historic milestone" for integrating J&K into "One Nation, One Constitution." He credited Malik's appointment to the party's recognition of his capabilities, adding a poignant irony: "It was no accident he passed on that transformative date." Randhawa's words ignited protests from NC benches, where Nazir Gurezi countered that Malik's "unconstitutional actions" would stain history's pages.
BJP's Narinder Singh doubled down, attributing the constitutional achievement squarely to Malik, while Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma implored decorum. "We must not malign the departed—imagine if it were us tomorrow. Spare thought for their grieving families," Sharma appealed.
In closing tributes, Abdullah reflected on the broader assembly of the departed, including ex-minister Gulchain Singh Charak, former MLAs Dina Nath Bhagat and MLCs Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, Ramesh Arora, and Sardar Mohammad Akhlaq Khan. "I worked with some; others I never met. Each contributed positively through service or parties. We too will depart someday, remembered by this House," he said.
The assembly fell silent for two minutes in reverence before adjourning until Monday, with Rajya Sabha polls slated for Friday and Saturday, and Sunday as a rest day. The exchange laid bare lingering divides over J&K's seismic constitutional shift, underscoring how even death cannot fully bury political fault lines.
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