Multi-crore scam rocks JK legislative council

Pandemonium broke out in Jammu and Kashmir legislative council on Tuesday over the issue of alleged multi-crore scam in Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, forcing the chairman to adjourn the House for the day.

As the House proceedings began, National Conference MLC legislator Devender Rana and asked the chairman for his decision on the privilege motion against PDP Member Murtaza Khan for levelling allegations against Union Minister Farooq Abdullah in connection with the alleged scam.

Farooq Abdullah cannot defend himself because he is not the member of this House and no comment can be made against him as he is not present in the House to defend, he said.

Union Minister Farooq Abdullah had on Monday rejected as unfortunate the allegations of his involvement in the multi-crore JKCA scam.

"I have not taken a penny in any form from JKCA. There is no question of any money being bungled. The tarnishing of my image is unfortunate," Farooq, who heads the JKCA, had told media persons in Delhi, breaking his silence on the allegations that there was bungling of funds received by the state cricket body from the BCCI.

As Rana continuously pressed for the directions from the chair, other NC members also joined him which led to protests and sloganeering against PDP for their anti-Farooq comments.

Meanwhile, PDP members led by Khan also stood up from the opposition benches and resorted to sloganeering.

In the wake of the pandemonium, Legislative Council Chairman Amrit Malhotra adjourned the House for half-an-hour.

When the council assembled again, NC members led by Rana trooped into the well and sought decision on the privilege motion and said Opposition cannot tell lies and target them.

"I have moved a privilege motion, which is in front of you. You have to take a decision on it," Rana said.

Malhotra said he will take a decision on the motion only after examining it.

On this, Rana said, "It is a breach of privilege. You have to take a call on it...please admit the motion."

The chairman replied, "There is a rule and procedure...I  will study it and will convey the decision tomorrow."

On this, NC members resorted to sloganeering and protests which was followed by PDP members resulting in pandemonium.