By Ayaan Saroori
Ethics play a vital role in every action, whether in problem-solving or decision-making. Discipline is complementary to public dealings—from law-making assemblies to the field of execution. However, we seem to have lost those ethics. From our television screens to mobile screens, discussions are now heated with activities that reveal the unmasked faces of our elected representatives. Unfortunately, this has also disillusioned our hope in pre-election promises and highlights the inadequacy in fulfilling them within the elected timeline.
These observations are based on the recent Jammu & Kashmir Assembly sessions, where the budget session concluded a week ago with unsatisfactory proceedings and outcomes. The session witnessed huge controversies—some rivalries turned personal, and others led to multiple adjournments of the House. Very few issues of public concern were actually discussed. Instead, much focus was placed on personal humiliation and theatrics that gained abundant watch time in the public domain—where some elected representatives portrayed themselves as action heroes, and others appeared as mob organizers. But what about addressing public issues?
The disturbance in the House began over a dismissal of the discussion on the Waqf Bill. The ruling National Conference demanded a debate over the bill, but the Speaker and the opposition blocked it. Later, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma described the situation as “a fixed match” during a media briefing after the adjournment of the incomplete session.
The 21-day Assembly session commenced on 3rd March with the Lieutenant Governor’s address and culminated on the afternoon of 9th April 2025. However, soon after the session ended, another personal dispute erupted in the Assembly’s waiting hall. Heated arguments turned into a humiliating and abusive uproar, which later spilled outside the Assembly complex with vulgar scenes unfolding between members. It seemed as though the people’s House had turned into a personal battlefield, with both sides involved verbally and physically.
During this face-off, a civilian was seen alleging a legislator, saying, “Agar tu gunda mawali nahi hota to tujhko baap ghar se nikalta kya?” — “If you weren’t a thug and a troublemaker, would your father have thrown you out of the house?”, as captured in a video report by Daily Excelsior.
These disgraceful moments were recorded by several media outlets. Such personal attacks, muscle flexing, and grandstanding before cameras must be eliminated. Importantly, individuals and political factions must engage in open-minded discussions to establish a peaceful atmosphere in the legislature. Public promises can never be fulfilled if personal grievances and past grudges continue to dominate Assembly proceedings.
The views expressed are solely those of the author. Ayaan Saroori is a freelance writer and columnist and can be reached at [email protected] .
Leave a Reply