On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that by passing the resolution for the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Assembly "has done its job".
The resolution read: "This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expresses concern over their unilateral removal. This Assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with the elected representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of special status, constitutional safeguards, and mechanisms for restoring these provisions. This Assembly emphasizes that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary introduced the resolution, which was seconded by Sakeena Masood (Itoo), Minister for Health and Medical Education. The carefully worded resolution did not explicitly mention Article 370 but demanded the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Upon its introduction, opposition members from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested, voicing their disapproval.
Despite the BJP’s protest, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the passage of the resolution, leading BJP members to storm into the well of the House.
The 28 BJP legislators shouted slogans against the resolution, including religious slogans such as “Jis Kashmir ko khoon say seencha, woh Kashmir hamara hain” (The Kashmir that has been nurtured with blood is ours). They thumped desks and charged toward the Speaker, calling for his removal. As the ruckus escalated, the Speaker dared the BJP MLAs to bring a no-confidence motion against him if they wanted him removed.
BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma argued that the resolution has no constitutional validity and lacks the power to challenge decisions made in Parliament and upheld by the top court of India.
“The discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s speech was scheduled for today, during which the government would have been questioned about their promises of 200 free electricity units, 12 gas cylinders, one lakh jobs, and other things,” he said. “But this morning, the resolution about the Parliament’s decision, also acknowledged by the Supreme Court, was moved instead.” He also urged the Congress to clarify its stance on the resolution.
"The top leadership of Congress in New Delhi, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, should clarify their position. If they oppose the resolution, it cannot pass with the support of only a minority of House members," he added.
The resolution was passed by a two-thirds majority, including MLAs from the PDP, People’s Conference (PC), and the Aam Aadmi Party.
Observers note that while the resolution is not binding on the Centre, it reflects the will of the people. By passing the resolution, the NC has fulfilled its election promise to the public to bring forth a resolution for the restoration of special status in the Assembly.
