Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a fresh confrontation on Tuesday as BJP legislators staged a walkout over the Speaker’s decision to allow discussion on the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP objected to references in the resolution to the Assembly’s 2000 autonomy resolution and the 2024 resolution concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The statehood resolution, moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was passed by the House on Monday amid protests and a walkout by BJP members.
Proceedings on Tuesday began amid an uproar, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma renewing the BJP’s demand for the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. Sharma alleged that the Speaker had allowed an “illegal and unconstitutional” resolution to be taken up despite objections over its legality and the procedure followed in introducing it.
Referring to the Law Department’s views and remarks attributed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma argued that questions had been raised over the manner in which the resolution was brought before the House. He said the Speaker should take responsibility for allowing the resolution to proceed and step down from the post.
The demand triggered a fresh exchange between the opposition and treasury benches. National Conference members raised “Vote Chor” slogans during the confrontation, adding to the disruption in the House.
The BJP’s walkout came after its legislators reiterated their objections to the inclusion of references to earlier Assembly resolutions. The party has maintained that while it supports restoration of statehood, it opposes references linked to the pre-August 5, 2019 constitutional position and the restoration of special status.
The latest confrontation follows Monday’s passage of the statehood resolution by voice vote after BJP members walked out of the House. The resolution called upon the Government of India for the “immediate and urgent restoration” of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
