Update: Heated Start to J&K Assembly Over Article 370 Restoration Resolution
Jammu and Kashmir saw a fiery debate on the first day of its new Assembly session, with PDP MLA Waheed Para bringing in a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370, abrogated in 2019. The move was opposed right away by the ruling party and sharpened political fault lines.
First Day of J&K Assembly: Sparks Fly Over Article 370 Resolution
The maiden session of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Assembly began with immediate controversy as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para presented a resolution supporting the restoration of Article 370. The controversial decision moved against the 2019 move that had stripped J&K of its special status and bifurcated it into two separate Union Territories.
This decision faced criticism from the BJP Legislators who were of opinion that the roll back in total of the policy adopted in August 5, 2019 was not appropriate. National Conference (NC) Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather clarified that he had made no formal passing of his proposal further adding fuel to the fire in the House.
Rahim Rather Elected as Speaker in a Historic Session
A figure of significance since the 1970s, veteran NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather, was selected to be the first Speaker of the J&K Union Territory Assembly. It will keep decorum on highly tense debates, keeping in mind his rich experience. Right after the election, Rather agreed that here are different agendas, and mainly regarding special status for J&K.
An Assembly Divided: Different Agendas Take Center Stage
The session may have hogged a resolution demanding restoration of Article 370, courtesy of Para, but it isn't exactly on the agenda either. Instead, the focus lies in pushing for the granting of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, the latter was already passed by the J&K cabinet, to which Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave an informal go-ahead. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to lobby for a swift return to statehood, touting it as necessary for regional stability and governance.
Strategic discussions and forming of coalition alliances
The main NC, Congress, CPI (M), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and five independent MLAs were united in a common approach before the session. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for cohesion in the coalition ranks on matters of governance and development. Strong sentiment exists in favor of statehood, but recalling the 2019 abrogation is a very controversial and far from closed issue.
Day-to-Day Session Time Span
The House on Tuesday will be used as a day to pay respect to the leaders departed as the session decides to take a kind of reflective breather from trying to deal with matters of governance. Wednesday and Thursday would be completely taken by the speech by the Lieutenant Governor. The Chief Minister Abdullah would take the wrap up of all the discussions November 8. The regaining of sovereignty of J&K and the stepping on the practical way for self-governance demand of the political voices is not new; Abdullah is clear in asking for practice over the years and it is not meant for only today's discussion.
Looking Ahead: Statehood as a Root Agenda
As the Assembly is convening its first session, the focus is still statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign to regain statehood is growing in intensity, but no one has forgotten Article 370, though some of the leaders claimed it is essential for authentic self-rule. Abdullah had discussions with national leaders as well, which seems that he was willing to hear the voices, but restoration of statehood remains inconclusive on a timeline basis. It is the historical moment, but also at a crossroads for political identity of J&K.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
