Statehood resolution triggers fresh storm in J&K Assembly

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed another stormy session on Tuesday as the BJP sought the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather over the adoption of a resolution demanding restoration of full statehood, triggering heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the BJP has moved a motion seeking Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s removal for allowing the resolution, and has left it to his conscience to step down.

The BJP members said the resolution for full statehood, passed by the Assembly on Monday, was allowed by the Speaker in contravention of the rules.

As soon as the Assembly proceedings began on Tuesday, Sharma alleged that the Speaker allowed the resolution despite advice from the Law Department that it was “unconstitutional”. “I leave it to the conscience of the Speaker to step down from the chair,” the LoP said.

However, the treasury benches took to their feet and shouted slogans, such as “vote chor”, against the opposition.

The Speaker asked the members to take their seats. “I know what my powers and functions are as a Speaker. There is a procedure for it, which I informed you yesterday. Do not teach me how to function,” Rather said.

As the BJP members continued their sloganeering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary said the House is for discussions and not for sloganeering.

“The BJP should have spoken on the resolution yesterday and told the House that they don’t want statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir. They are sabotaging everything,” Chaudhary said, adding, “They should peacefully put their point of view here.”

As the Speaker called for Question Hour proceedings, the BJP MLAs staged a walkout.