Srinagar, Sep 29: BJP members staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday amid a heated exchange with the Speaker over the statehood resolution.
The walkout came after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma renewed the BJP’s demand for the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, questioning his decision to allow the resolution to proceed despite objections over references to the 2000 autonomy resolution.
Amid the uproar, Rather told BJP members, “I know my role and duty,” and said he would not allow “hooliganism” in the House.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary defended the resolution, saying the Assembly represents the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that restoration of statehood is a demand shared across the region.
The BJP has maintained that it supports restoration of statehood but opposes references to the 2000 autonomy resolution in the statehood resolution.
Following the continued confrontation, BJP members walked out of the House, disrupting proceedings over the issue.
