NC, BJP members spar on issue of holiday on anniversaries of Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly experienced disruptions as members debated the cancellation or restoration of public holidays honoring historical figures. The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions between the National Conference and the BJP.
Why it matters
It illustrates the symbolic and political weight of historical memory and regional identity in Indian legislative processes.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) witnessed noisy scenes after an NC MLA demanded that either the holiday on the birth anniversary of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah be restored or the holiday on the anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh be cancelled.
As soon as the proceedings began, ruling National Conference (NC) MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi made the demand.
BJP MLA Devayani Rana said the holiday on the anniversary of the Maharaja will not be cancelled. Supporting the demand for a holiday on former Chief Minister Abdullah's anniversary, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said the NC founder was the peoples' leader.
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