Srinagar, Sep 29: Ruckus erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over the resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, with BJP MLAs staging a walkout after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma questioned Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s decision to allow the resolution in the House.
Sharma said the BJP had moved a motion on Monday seeking removal of the Speaker for allowing the resolution, and left it to Rather’s conscience to step down from the chair.
The BJP maintained that the resolution, passed by the Assembly on Monday, was allowed in violation of the rules. As soon as the proceedings began on Tuesday, Sharma alleged that the Speaker had permitted 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.
The treasury benches then rose and raised slogans, including “vote chor”, against the opposition, prompting the Speaker to ask members to take their seats.
“I know what my powers and functions as a Speaker are. There is a procedure for it, which I informed you yesterday. Do not teach me how to function,” Rather said.
His remarks further angered BJP MLAs, who began raising slogans in the House.
On Monday, the Speaker had said the motion seeking his removal would be listed for business after 14 days.
Pointing towards BJP MLA R S Pathania, Rather said, “You are a good lawyer; you can bring the motion. I have not seen it yet. If you read Rule No 215, the procedure to be followed is laid down in it. A motion should be entered in the list of business any day after 14 days of submission of the motion.”
As BJP members continued sloganeering, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary said the Assembly was meant for discussion and not sloganeering.
“They (BJP) should have spoken on the resolution yesterday. They should have told the House that they don’t want statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Who is the enemy of daily wagers? They are sabotaging everything,” Chaudhary said, urging the BJP members to put forward their views peacefully.
As the Speaker called for Question Hour, BJP MLAs staged a walkout from the House.