SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed regret in the Legislative Assembly over his remarks that sparked protests by BJP legislators, stating that he had no intention of hurting anyone.
The BJP members created an uproar, describing the reported comment as inappropriate and against the dignity of the House. They raised slogans demanding that the Chief Minister withdraw the statement and apologise, and staged a brief walkout before returning to continue their protest.
The legislators insisted that the Chief Minister acknowledge the remark as a “slip of the tongue,” express regret, and tender an apology.
Responding in the Assembly, Abdullah said, “I regret my remarks if they have caused any hurt. My comments were directed at them and not at their family members.”
He also alleged that the opposition’s “field commander”, an apparent reference to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma had brought his late grandfather into the issue.
Despite the disruption and sloganeering, the proceedings of the House continued.
