BJP stages walkout from Jammu & Kashmir assembly

The BJP along with National Panther's Party on Tuesday staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir assembly protesting the "unfair, erratic and discriminatory" distribution of ration supplies in the state.

The problem started when minister for consumer affairs and public distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon told the house that 27,011 metric tonnes of foodgrains are being supplied in Jammu division every month.

However, BJP MLA Ashok Khajuria termed the information incorrect and sought reply from the minister over "discrimination" in allotment of foodgrains on discriminatory lines.

Khajuria protested that quota of ration of Jammu has been given to Darbar Move employees and migrants putting up in Jammu.

He was joined by JKNPP members Balwant Mankotia and Yash Pal Kundal, PDP member Zulfikar Ali, Jammu State Morcha (JSM) member Ashwani Kumar and Congress member GM Saroori, who alleged that there is a grave scarcity of foodgrains as ration does not reach to grass root level due to "bunglings and misappropriation by officials."

Opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti and CPI(M) member MY Tarigami stood up from their seats and said that the government should be serious on the issue and should put in place a mechanism to ensure that ration reaches to everyone.

Two JKNPP members Mankotia and Kundal walked into the well and sat on dharna.

Later, BJP and JKNPP members staged a walkout from the house over the issue.