SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Tuesday called for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to step down, alleging that the House was allowed to take up the statehood resolution despite objections from the Law Department and Chief Secretary.
Opening the sixth day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s proceedings, Sharma described the resolution as “unconstitutional” and questioned the Speaker’s decision to proceed with it despite the reservations he said had been conveyed by senior officials.
Sharma said the BJP supported restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood but opposed the contents and references incorporated into the resolution.
He also argued that Rather should not continue as Speaker while a motion seeking his removal had been submitted by BJP legislators.
Responding to Sharma, Rather said his credibility had been challenged and pointed to the procedure prescribed for dealing with the matter.
“You have questioned my credibility. There is a procedure for it, but don’t teach me law,” Rather said.
The BJP has submitted a motion seeking the Speaker’s removal, with 29 legislators supporting it. Rather said the matter would be dealt with in accordance with the procedure laid down under the Assembly rules.
