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| Itoo, Parra, exchange barbs | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday as a heated verbal duel erupted between Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra shortly after the Speaker commenced the day’s proceedings. The confrontation escalated quickly, with Itoo blaming the PDP for the prevailing political and administrative situation in the Union Territory. She asserted that the absence of statehood had weakened the functioning of the present dispensation, attributing it to decisions taken during the PDP’s tenure. “The present government has limited powers due to the lack of statehood, which is a consequence of your party’s actions,” the minister said, adding that her government was focused on “action, not drama,” in an apparent swipe at opposition protests. The exchange intensified when Itoo repeatedly referred to a controversial 2016 remark by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti regarding the “milk and toffee” comment made during the unrest following the killing of Burhan Wani. The repeated references further fuelled the verbal clash. Itoo also accused Parra of having vested interests in cold storage facilities and alleged that he was being influenced by external forces, remarks that triggered strong reactions from the opposition benches. Amid the uproar, Parra attempted to respond, criticising the government’s handling of the education sector and infrastructure issues. However, his remarks were largely drowned out due to persistent disruptions. The repeated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches led to frequent interruptions, significantly affecting the smooth conduct of the House proceedings. |
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