BJP MLAs Walk Out, Stage Protest Over Time Allocation

Hemani Kandhari 

2026 February, 4: All BJP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, walked out of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly at 12:47 on Wednesday over an issue related to time allocation during the debate.

Following the walkout, BJP members staged a protest outside the Assembly Secretariat, sitting on the stairs and alleging that they were not being given sufficient time to speak in the House. They said that as a responsible opposition, they also represent the people and want to raise important public issues.

Responding to the protest, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said that the day’s debate was a continuation of the previous day’s discussion and that the last speaker earlier was from the BJP. He explained that more members from the ruling National Conference were allowed to speak as the party has a larger strength in the House.

The Speaker said BJP MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia was listed to speak next, but the BJP members walked out before his turn. Calling the move “not appropriate,” he said all members are equal before the Chair and that speaking time is allotted by keeping party strength and balance in mind.