Jammu, February 3, 2026 : Two opposition BJP MLAs on Tuesday staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over the alleged discriminatory allocation of funds for flood restoration works, claiming that the Jammu region has been ignored.
BJP legislators Rajiv Jasrotia and Pawan Gupta raised the issue during Question Hour, accusing the government of favouring Kashmir while neglecting flood-hit areas of Jammu. The protest led to heated exchanges with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, resulting in uproar in the House.
Replying to Jasrotia’s query regarding Central assistance and district-wise fund utilisation for flood restoration in 2025–26, Choudhary said no specific funds have been released by the Centre for flood restoration works during the current financial year. However, he informed the House that ₹289.39 crore has been released under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, ₹100 crore (₹5 crore per district) has been allocated under the UT Capex Budget 2025–26 for urgent flood relief measures.
The Deputy CM further stated that the Jal Shakti Department has received funds under the Flood Management and Border Area Programme (FMBAP), including ₹164.35 lakh for flood management works and ₹6,041.25 lakh for Comprehensive Flood Management of River Jhelum, Phase-II. He also said the Government of India has allocated ₹1,431 crore under SASCI for J&K, to be released once detailed project proposals are submitted.
Unconvinced, BJP MLAs claimed that the Union Home Ministry had already released ₹212 crore as immediate flood relief, accusing the Deputy CM of misleading the House. Choudhary rejected the allegations, asserting that the government does not discriminate between Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whether floods hit Jammu or Kashmir, the pain is equal for us. Unlike BJP, our conscience is clear,” Choudhary said, citing the restoration of the Darbar Move as proof of the government’s balanced approach. He also accused the BJP of demanding a National Law University for Jammu after allegedly contributing to the closure of the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College.
Speaking to reporters outside the House, Jasrotia alleged that the government diverted the discussion instead of giving clear answers. He claimed that floods and landslides in August–September last year caused extensive damage in Jammu, but relief funds were routed mainly to Kashmir.
“This is clear discrimination. The worst-hit areas in Jammu were ignored,” he said.
Gupta said he walked out in solidarity, alleging continued neglect of Jammu, including his Udhampur constituency, which he said received no relief despite severe damage.
The incident underscored rising tensions between the ruling alliance and the opposition, with flood relief, regional equity, and development priorities emerging as flashpoints in the ongoing Budget Session.
