In a volatile session, Abdul Majid Larmi of the National Conference asked the Assembly to reverse the centre’s decision to declare September 23 a public holiday for the former monarch, citing the removal of Sheikh Abdullah’s anniversary.
BJP legislators erupted in slogans such as "Maharaja Amar Rahay" and accused the NC of insulting the Maharaja’s legacy, while NC members countered with "Sher‑i‑Kashmir Zindabad" in defense of Sheikh Abdullah as a symbol of democracy.
PDP lawmakers joined the chorus, demanding the reinstatement of the Martyrs’ Day holiday on July 13, a date that commemorated the 1931 uprising against the Dogra monarchy.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather tried to calm the fracas, but clarified that declaring or withdrawing holidays lies outside his purview, a claim that amplified the standoff.
July 13 had long been observed as Martyrs’ Day, with official functions held at the graveyard to honor 22 people killed in 1931; the holiday was removed after Article 370 was abrogated and the state bifurcated in 2019.
The debate concluded with the speaker stating the matter would be referred to the cabinet, leaving the holiday status undecided and the Assembly still gripped by a bitter partisan clash.