SRINAGAR: Proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began amid an uproar on Tuesday as Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma renewed his demand for the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather over the passage of the Statehood resolution.
Sharma alleged that the Speaker had allowed an “illegal and unconstitutional” resolution to be passed and called for Rather to step down in view of objections raised over its legality and the procedure followed in introducing it.
He referred to the Law Department’s views and remarks attributed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, arguing that these had raised questions over the manner in which the resolution was brought before the House.
Sharma said the Speaker should take responsibility for allowing the resolution to proceed despite the objections and resign from the post.
His demand led to a fresh confrontation between the opposition and treasury benches, with National Conference members raising “Vote Chor” slogans during the exchange.
The BJP has opposed the inclusion of references to the 2000 autonomy resolution in the Statehood resolution while maintaining that it supports restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
