SRINAGAR: A fresh political confrontation erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday over the wording of a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma objecting to references to earlier autonomy-related resolutions and the ruling benches defending the demand.
Sharma said the BJP supported restoration of statehood but opposed what he described as language in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resolution that, in his view, was inconsistent with the Constitution. “Restoration of statehood is the agenda of the BJP. But the way language has been used in the resolution moved in the Assembly is against the Constitution of India,” he said.
He termed certain references in the resolution unacceptable and maintained that discussions in the House should remain focused on development within the constitutional framework. Sharma also referred to the autonomy resolution passed by the Assembly in 2000, saying it had been rejected by the Centre when Omar Abdullah was serving as a Union minister in the NDA government. The current resolution, moved by Abdullah on September 25, refers to earlier Assembly resolutions passed in 2000 and 2024 alongside its call for the “immediate and urgent restoration” of full statehood.
The remarks came as Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather sought to proceed with Question Hour, leading to noisy exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary countered the BJP’s argument, questioning whether the border situation should be cited as a reason for delaying restoration of statehood. “Not only J&K, but half of India is living along the border. So, under the guise of the border, should we stop demanding statehood?” he said.
Choudhary also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier commitment regarding restoration of statehood and questioned why the process had not yet been completed.
The exchange intensified as BJP members entered the Well of the House amid slogan-shouting, adding to the disruption during the proceedings. The confrontation came as the Assembly prepared for further discussion on the statehood resolution, which has become a major point of disagreement between the BJP opposition and the National Conference-led government during the ongoing autumn session. The official Assembly portal lists September 28 business for the current session and identifies Abdul Rahim Rather as Speaker, Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister and Sunil Kumar Sharma as Leader of Opposition.
