BJP slams Govt for undermining democracy with resolution on J&K’s special status

Srinagar, Nov 7: While calling the move of passing the resolution demanding restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir a "fraud" and a "drama", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of undermining democracy by passing the resolution.

BJP MLA from Ramnagar, R S Pathania argued that Article 370, which once granted autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, was history and could not be debated.

"The Supreme Court has already confirmed the removal of Article 370 and emphasised that the J&K Assembly does not have the power to challenge the decisions of either the Parliament or the Supreme Court,” he said mocking the resolution, suggesting it was worthless and would be dismissed by anyone, even low-ranking staff.

Pathania also criticised certain politicians from Jammu.

He accused them of backing a narrative that had led to violence against civilians and security forces.

Another BJP MLA, Sham Lal Sharma accused Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather of allowing opposition members to bring banners into the assembly, disrupting proceedings.

"Tighter security should be in place to prevent any such disturbances and this is a sign of partiality on the part of the Speaker," he said.

His remarks came when independent MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh entered the assembly carrying a banner reading “Restore Articles 370 and 35-A.”

BJP MLA from Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia said that the NC, along with other regional parties, was emotionally blackmailing the people of Jammu and Kashmir by bringing back demands for special status.

"Such efforts mislead citizens and stir unnecessary tension. BJP will not allow these actions to continue without a fight," he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma accused the Speaker of favoritism claiming that the Speaker supported the NC by enabling their members to speak freely while silencing BJP MLAs by turning off their microphones.

When he was asked about BJP members standing on tables in protest, Sharma defended the action, saying the opposition was left with no choice after they were silenced and removed from the assembly.

He also challenged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to justify NC’s stance on special status, arguing that Article 370 was intended as a temporary provision.

Sharma alleged that the call for "special status" was rooted in NC founder Sheikh Abdullah's divisive policies.

He referenced the events of August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was removed, stating that the era of special status was permanently over and could not be revived.