Autumn Session 2025: NC–BJP Clash in J&K Assembly During Obituary References to Satya Pal Malik
By: Javid Amin | 23 October 2025
Opening Day Drama: Tribute Turns to Tension
The Autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began on Thursday on a solemn note but quickly descended into political sparring. What started as a customary obituary reference to honour departed leaders—including former Governor Satya Pal Malik—soon turned into a verbal duel between National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators.
The session, held under tight protocol in the newly restored Assembly complex, witnessed a brief uproar after NC MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) described Malik’s tenure as “controversial,” drawing immediate objections from BJP benches.
Speaker’s Appeal: “Use Time Judiciously”
Before the turmoil began, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather opened the proceedings with a call for restraint and productivity.
“We have limited time available. Use it judiciously and make the session productive and positive,”
— Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, addressing members.
The Speaker read out the obituary references and led tributes to several political figures:
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Satya Pal Malik, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir
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Gulchain Singh Charak, former minister
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Dina Nath Bhagat, former MLA
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Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, former MLC
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Ramesh Arora, former MLC
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Sardar Mohammad Akhlaq Khan, former MLC
Members observed a two-minute silence in memory of the departed leaders.
The Flashpoint: “Controversial Tenure” Remark Sparks Uproar
As the session proceeded, NC MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) began his address in the obituary reference session, but his statement soon became the spark for the day’s chaos.
When Shah termed the late Governor Satya Pal Malik’s tenure as “controversial,” BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma rose in protest, urging that tributes should be “respectful and non-partisan.”
“Members should avoid using controversial remarks while paying tributes to the deceased,” Sharma said, prompting applause from BJP benches.
The Speaker intervened, advising Shah to “use proper language” and continue his remarks with decorum.
However, the tension deepened when Shah reportedly said that former MLC Ramesh Arora was associated with a “communal party,” further angering BJP legislators.
The BJP MLAs objected vocally, while NC members countered with equal intensity, leading to noisy scenes and a brief suspension of proceedings. The Speaker eventually restored order, appealing for calm and urging legislators to respect the sanctity of the House.
Congress Strikes a Balanced Tone
Amid the uproar, Congress MLAs sought to steer the discussion back to a dignified remembrance.
Nizamuddin Bhat, a senior Congress leader, reminded the House of the need to blend facts with respect:
“While we speak about the positive aspects of former leaders, we must also acknowledge facts. But it is equally important to maintain respect and decorum while doing so.”
Ghulam Ahmad Mir, another Congress MLA, described Satya Pal Malik as an “outspoken and popular leader” who was both a beneficiary and a victim of the 2019 political shifts in Jammu & Kashmir.
“He might have benefited from the abrogation of Article 370, but he suffered as well. We saw how he had to struggle in his last days to put the truth before the people,” Mir remarked, drawing quiet nods from several benches.
Tarigami’s Remarks Add to the Debate
Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami, CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam, also used his tribute to reflect on the political transformations since 2019, including the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir.
He said,
“There must be some scope for constructive criticism while paying tributes to leaders who played significant roles in shaping our political journey.”
However, his remarks once again drew objections from BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma, who argued that the obituary session was not a platform for political retrospection.
“You are setting a wrong precedent. This is not the time to give a history lesson. We are here to honour the departed, not debate policies,” Sharma interjected.
Despite the objection, the Speaker allowed Tarigami to continue, emphasizing that “freedom of expression must be balanced with respect.”
Remembering Satya Pal Malik: A Divisive Yet Defining Figure
The emotional charge surrounding the references to Satya Pal Malik underlines his controversial legacy in Jammu & Kashmir’s political narrative.
Malik, who served as Governor between 2018 and 2019, oversaw the dissolution of the J&K Assembly, the imposition of President’s Rule, and the abrogation of Article 370.
While BJP leaders often credit him for facilitating “historic decisions,” opposition parties—particularly NC, PDP, and Congress—have long accused him of undermining democratic institutions during that period.
His later public statements, including criticism of the Union government’s handling of corruption and militancy, added layers of complexity to his persona. This duality was reflected in Thursday’s proceedings—between respect for his service and critique of his legacy.
Political Undertones: Session Sets the Mood for a Contentious Season
The uproar on day one is likely a preview of the sharp exchanges expected during the autumn session.
With crucial debates on land reforms, daily wagers’ regularisation, and employment policies on the agenda, the NC–BJP rivalry appears set to dominate proceedings.
Political observers note that the NC’s assertive tone and the BJP’s pushback mirror the broader polarised political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir since the restoration of its Assembly.
“The obituary session is usually a space for consensus. The fact that even this moment turned confrontational tells us how charged J&K’s political climate remains,” said a senior legislative correspondent based in Srinagar.
A House Divided, But Functioning
Despite the brief uproar, the session continued smoothly after the Speaker’s intervention. Members across party lines eventually joined in observing a two-minute silence for the departed leaders.
As the House moves to take up legislative business in the coming days, the early scenes of NC–BJP confrontation underscore both the fragility and vibrancy of the democratic process in Jammu & Kashmir’s renewed political chapter.
Key Takeaways
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Session Opener: The Autumn Session began with tributes but quickly saw political friction.
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Trigger Point: NC MLA’s remarks on Satya Pal Malik’s “controversial” tenure sparked BJP protests.
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Speaker’s Role: Abdul Rahim Rather calmed the House, urging discipline and respect.
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Cross-Party Notes: Congress leaders called for balance between truth and respect.
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Symbolic Start: The heated debate foreshadows a politically charged legislative session.
In Summary
The Autumn Session’s opening day revealed much more than ceremonial tributes—it exposed the underlying tensions between Jammu & Kashmir’s political blocs. As the National Conference and Bharatiya Janata Party sparred over legacies and language, it became clear that the coming days in the Assembly will test both decorum and democracy in equal measure.
