The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed fresh uproar on Tuesday as Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma renewed his demand for the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, accusing him of allowing an “illegal and unconstitutional” resolution to be passed in the House.
Earlier reporting noted: Speaking in the assembly on Tuesday, Omar said he would adopt the same formulation while responding to BJP legislators’ questions on the panchayat polls. Raising the issue at the outset, Sharma argued that the Speaker should step down over objections to the statehood resolution and the Law Department’s opinions. The Speaker later criticised the BJP for repeatedly creating disruption and wasting the House’s time.
The resolution also refers to earlier Assembly resolutions of June 26, 2000, and November 6, 2024. The 2000 resolution, passed during the Farooq Abdullah government, had sought restoration of greater autonomy as it existed before August 9, 1953, and was later rejected by the then BJP-led Central government.
Sharma said the Speaker must take responsibility for allowing the resolution to proceed. He said the party was against empowering the people of both Jammu and Kashmir and had no concern for public issues. The controversy centres on a resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking the “immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir”. The party said India must remain one from Kashmir to Kanyakumari under a single Constitution, tricolour and leadership. Earlier reporting noted: J&K assembly session: Omar’s ‘appropriate time’ jibe at BJP on panchayat polls query J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday turned the BJP’s oft-repeated “appropriate time” line on statehood back on the party over the delay in holding panchayat polls in the Union territory.
He maintained that the government’s own position, including remarks by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had cast doubt on the legality and procedure of bringing the resolution before the House. Earlier reporting noted: The chief minister has repeatedly sought restoration of J&K’s statehood, including in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.
The confrontation escalated between the Opposition and Treasury Benches.
National Conference and Congress members raised “Vote Chor” slogans, while BJP legislators protested loudly and staged a walkout, demanding that Rather leave the chair. Responding to the objections, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said there was no dissenting note in the House Committee that had recommended the increase.
