SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday over the resolution seeking the restoration of full statehood, which was passed by the House a day earlier.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the BJP had moved a motion on Monday seeking the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, alleging that the resolution was allowed despite objections regarding its legality and procedure.
Sharma alleged that the Speaker permitted the statehood resolution despite the Law Department’s advice, which he described as stating that the resolution was “unconstitutional”. He also urged the Speaker to consider stepping down from the chair.
The remarks triggered a noisy protest in the House, with members of the treasury benches raising counter-slogans against the Opposition.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked the protesting members to return to their seats and said he was aware of his powers and functions. He also referred to the prescribed procedure for moving a motion seeking the removal of the Speaker.
Addressing BJP MLA R S Pathania, Rather said the relevant procedure was laid down under Rule 215 of the Assembly rules. He said a motion for the Speaker’s removal could be included in the list of business after 14 days from the date of its submission.
As BJP members continued their sloganeering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary urged them to use the Assembly for debate rather than protests. He said the Opposition should have expressed its views on the statehood resolution during Monday’s proceedings.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised the BJP over its position on statehood and special status, while asking its members to present their views peacefully in the House.
Amid continued protests, the Speaker proceeded with the scheduled Question Hour. BJP legislators subsequently staged a walkout from the Assembly.
