Amid the escalation of conflict between the National Conference and the BJP over the passing of a resolution seeking special status for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Friday warned that recent developments in the Legislative Assembly would delay the restoration of statehood.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly committed to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and we were going to get the statehood back very soon but the recent happening in the Assembly would definitely delay the process", Sharma said while interacting with media persons at Srinagar.
"By raking up issues like restoration of Article 370 and so-called special status, the ruling party is creating hurdles in the restoration of statehood", Sharma said.
He warned that the National Conference's "undemocratic and unconstitutional" actions in the Legislative Assembly could hinder Jammu and Kashmir's statehood restoration. Sharma expressed concerns that the ruling party's recent behavior would delay statehood, despite the Union Government's willingness to consider it
Sharma condemned Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather's biased actions and the National Conference's resolution opposing Parliament's August 5, 2019, decision. He criticized the resolution for promoting separatist sentiments and challenged Omar Abdullah to cite any constitutional reference supporting J&K's special status. Sharma emphasized that Article 370 was a temporary provision now permanently removed.
Sharma argued that the National Conference's push for special status is linked to a history of violence and stressed that the BJP would not allow street violence to prevail over tourism.
BJP warns to form parallel government in J&K
Within minutes after holding a parallel assembly session, the BJP on Friday warned that the party would never hesitate to form a parallel government in the Union Territory.
Interacting with media persons after holding a parallel assembly session, Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, issued a strong warning on Friday, stating that his party might consider forming a parallel government if the current administration's conduct does not change.
During a press briefing with fellow MLAs like Sham Lal Sharma, Sunil Sharma accused the Speaker of being biased, aligning with a particular party, and engaging in unconstitutional behaviour.
Sharma pointed out that their leaders wanted to discuss the government's promises and the Lieutenant Governor's initiatives. However, the National Conference (NC) presented a resolution opposing Parliament's August 5, 2019, decision, which Sharma described as promoting separatist sentiments.
He expressed frustration that the Speaker publicly framed the resolution as a demand for restoring Article 370, despite Parliament and the Supreme Court's final stance on the matter.
"I challenge Omar Abdullah to point to any reference in the Indian Constitution about J&K's special status. If he can prove it, I'll step down from politics," Sharma stated, adding that Article 370 was a temporary provision now permanently removed.
Sharma argued that the NC's push for special status is linked to a history of violence, citing instances such as the killing of civilians and leaders. "They don't want tourism, only street violence, which we in the BJP will not allow," he declared.
He mentioned that BJP MLAs held a parallel assembly in the Assembly lawns after being escorted out, emphasizing that this action should not be dismissed. If the government's approach doesn't change, he warned, a parallel administration could be established in Jammu and Kashmir.
