The debate on two key Bills related to Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha on Monday led to an uproar in Parliament over DMK MP MM Mohamed Abdullah’s reference to lines by social reformist Periyar. The remark, later expunged from the records, led to a stern response from Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar who underscored the responsibility that comes with freedom of speech in Parliament.

DMK MP Abdullah addressed the assembly during the discussion on two bills, namely the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2023. These bills had previously been approved by the Lok Sabha on December 7.

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“We have freedom of speech here. That freedom comes with great responsibility. That message goes to the entire world,” he added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman intervened, calling on Congress to clarify their stance on Abdulla’s remarks saying, “How could this House be hearing this? Congress should stand up and say.”

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge suggested that the Chairman could expunge remarks not in line with the law and business rules, but highlighted opposition to unilateral decisions based on the Treasury Bench’s assertions.

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At a press conference on Monday, former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the party “respectfully disagrees” with the Supreme Court’s judgment on how Article 370 was abrogated. “We are also disappointed that the SC did not decide the question of dismembering the state to two Union Territories. The Congress has always demanded the restoration of full statehood. We welcome the SC verdict in this regard. We believe the election should be held immediately and there is no reason to wait till 30 September 2024,” Chidambaram said.

Home Minister Amit Shah questioned whether Congress supported Abdulla’s assertion, while Kharge defended the right to express differing views, deeming it “undemocratic to silence members.” Congress member Jairam Ramesh clarified that his party did not support Abdulla’s statement.

DMK leader Tiruchi Siva accused the ruling members of exaggerating the situation, asserting that the DMK has consistently supported India’s integrity.

Abdullah also expressed his opposition to the J&K bills, contending that the abrogation of Article 370 constitutes an attack on federalism. He further argued that the 2019 Act (Amendments) is unconstitutional.

The discussion also featured various members, including Vivek Tankha (Congress), V Vijaysai Reddy (YSRCP), Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), Sasmit Patra (BJD), K R Suresh Reddy (BRS), and Manoj Jha (RJD), expressing their positions on the bills, with independent member Kartikeya Sharma supporting them and CPI member Sandosh Kumar P opposing them, among others.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)

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