Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
BJP legislators on Monday staged a protest inside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during discussion on the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, objecting to references to the region’s pre-1953 constitutional position and the Assembly’s 2000 autonomy resolution.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said political differences between the ruling and opposition benches should not prevent the House from discussing issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that the opposition was not required to reject every proposal brought by the government and said the BJP was ready for a constructive discussion on restoration of statehood.
“Sometimes it is very difficult to come to a common consensus. It is not necessary that we always support the opposition. We also want a positive discussion here, especially when it comes to the state,” Sharma said.
However, Sharma objected to references in the resolution concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional position before 1953. He said the BJP could not accept such references in the present constitutional framework of India.
He also questioned the reference to the Assembly’s 2000 autonomy resolution, which had sought restoration of the erstwhile state’s pre-1953 constitutional position. Sharma said the BJP had opposed that resolution when it was passed and questioned its inclusion in a resolution specifically seeking restoration of statehood.
The BJP has maintained that it is prepared to participate in a debate on restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, but does not support bringing the issues of Article 370 or the 2000 autonomy resolution into the current discussion.
The protest led to exchanges between members of the treasury and opposition benches as BJP legislators raised objections during the proceedings. The Speaker asked the protesting members to return to their seats while proceedings continued.
The statehood resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 25 and has since become the focus of a sharp political dispute in the Assembly, particularly over its references to earlier resolutions. The Assembly’s official website has also listed amendments to the resolution for consideration.
