'I said Godse Murdabad and it triggered them': Kashmiri MLA alleges attack by BJP amid ruckus in assembly over Waqf Bill

April 7, 2025 by News Desk

A major uproar broke out during the discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the legislative assembly, with opposition members, led by MLA Kreeri Wagoora Irfan Hafiz Lone, accusing BJP legislators of “gundagardi” (hooliganism) and disrupting democratic discourse. The protests began when Irfan, while addressing the House, raised slogans condemning the bill and linked it to broader issues of religious autonomy and constitutional values.

Irfan was heard shouting slogans like “Nathuram Godse Murdabad” and “Bapu ke qatil Murdabad” while opposing the bill, arguing that the amendment undermines the religious rights of the Muslim community. “We were talking about Bapu, about the Constitution. We clearly said the Waqf Amendment 2025 is unacceptable and no one can tolerate it. When I said this, they felt offended and launched an attack on me,” he said while speaking to reporters after the chaos.

He further accused the BJP of having a colonial mindset, drawing parallels with British loyalists during India’s freedom movement. “I said those who licked the boots of the British are the real culprits, and that hurt them. So who are the ones still licking boots today?” he asked, referring to the violent exchange that followed his speech.

The situation escalated quickly when, according to Irfan, BJP members stormed towards him and assaulted him physically. Showing his torn chappal to the press, he said, “Look at this… this is what they did. Check the record, I didn’t attack anyone from my seat. They came and assaulted me—this was a murderous intent.”

Despite the disturbance, Irfan reiterated his commitment to continue the struggle against the bill, calling it an act of oppression. “This is not about numbers, it is about speaking the truth. They brought anti-farmer laws and had to withdraw them after mass protests. This, too, will not last. We will oppose it politically.”

When asked about the Speaker disallowing debate on the bill by citing it as sub-judice, Irfan questioned the legitimacy of that claim. “We raised the issue before the Speaker. We later found out it isn’t even sub-judice in the registry. We will raise this wherever possible.”

Calling for legal action against the Speaker for allowing the assault to take place, Irfan said, “It’s all on record. All I said was ‘Bapu ke qatil haaye haaye,’ and suddenly they felt hurt. Is this how one behaves in a democracy? We will resist this. This is Gandhi ji’s country, and we will struggle to protect its soul.”

The House proceedings were eventually adjourned amid the chaos, with opposition parties vowing to challenge the bill on all available platforms.