The newly-formed Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a turbulent start when People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para introduced a resolution opposing the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, advocating for the restoration of J&K’s special status. This motion was immediately met with strong objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, who called for the expunging of Para’s remarks, accusing him of breaking Assembly protocol.
Adding to the charged atmosphere, People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone took a jab at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for presenting Kashmiri shawls to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent visit to Delhi. The taunts fueled further tension among Assembly members.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti commended Waheed Para for his bold stance in introducing the resolution. In a post on social media platform X, she praised Para’s commitment to J&K’s autonomy, stating, “Proud of Waheed Para for introducing a resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore special status.”
Commenting on the resolution, Omar Abdullah, the J&K Chief Minister, downplayed its significance, alleging it was more of a political show without any prior consultation. “The people of J&K did not support the decision taken on 5th August 2019, but one member cannot decide the Assembly’s stance alone,” he remarked. Abdullah criticized the timing and intent behind the resolution, calling it “only for the cameras.”
The Assembly session, which began at 10:30 am, lasted only an hour before being adjourned ahead of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s scheduled address. Sinha expressed satisfaction over the high voter turnout in the Assembly elections and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to statehood restoration. “Our people now look up to the government with hope,” he noted.
Abdul Rahim Rather Elected Assembly Speaker National Conference veteran Abdul Rahim Rather was elected as the first Speaker of the Union Territory’s legislative assembly, winning unopposed as opposition parties refrained from contesting the post. Rather, escorted to the chair by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, received congratulations from across the Assembly. Abdullah expressed hope that Rather would act impartially in his role as custodian of the House.
The J&K Assembly’s first day was marked by heightened emotions and dramatic exchanges, setting the stage for a potentially challenging legislative session ahead.
