Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw heated exchanges on Thursday as members debated an Independent MLA’s call for a probe into alleged excessive spending on chartered flights and hospitality in the Union Territory.
MLA Shabir Ahmed Kullay from Shopian raised concerns over ₹35 crore spent on flights and guest expenses, including during G20 events. He questioned who authorized the expenditure and demanded an investigation.
Members of the ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress supported the demand, with NC’s Javaid Beigh calling for a house committee to probe the matter. Congress’s Nizamuddin Bhat also backed the proposal, stressing the need for accountability.
However, BJP members defended the spending, stating it was used for G20 guests and tourism promotion. BJP leader Balwant Mankotia argued that any probe should also cover expenditures since 2009.
The debate led to disruptions, with verbal clashes between the treasury and opposition benches. Independent MLAs Shabir Ahmed and Mehraj Malik presented documents they claimed as evidence.
PDP’s Fayaz Mir also supported the demand, emphasizing the involvement of state guests. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged members to maintain decorum, assuring that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would address the concerns in his response to the grants discussion.
