Yogesh
Jammu, Feb 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday triggered protests from opposition BJP legislators, who demanded an apology for what they termed “objectionable words.”
Winding up the discussion in the Legislative Assembly on the budget, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Indo-US trade deal was detrimental to the interests of the people of J&K.
“Here, a few of my friends talked about the Indo-US trade deal, although it is not part of the budget. I am unable to understand how it is beneficial to the people of J&K. You may have protected seafood from Kerala and some other products. You have allowed the entry of tree nuts-walnuts and almonds-which are products of Jammu & Kashmir, at zero duty. You have also put dry fruit on the list at zero duty. You have told America to send fruit at zero duty, and we will purchase it. You made a deal on walnuts and almonds, but you should have at least protected apples,” the CM said.
The Leader of Opposition objected to the remarks, triggering an exchange of heated arguments between the two sides.
The CM said, “They themselves call it the Indo-US trade deal. If you translate it, ‘deal’ means ‘souda.’”
As BJP legislators continued with protests, the CM said their attitude has changed and it seems “Inka Home Minister Ke Aate Atte Joote Pade.”
The remarks triggered fierce protests from BJP legislators, who demanded that the Chief Minister apologise for his comments.
“This is unparliamentary language. He should apologise for these remarks,” the BJP legislators shouted.
The Chief Minister continued his speech while BJP legislators tried to disrupt him with slogans.
Unfazed by the protests, the CM went on with his speech and concluded it.
