The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama and sharp political polarisation on Monday as it passed a crucial resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to the region.
The resolution, which also included references to historical autonomy and special status, cleared the House by a majority vote following intense debate.
Originally introduced by CM Abdullah, the motion gained complex layers after members of the ruling National Conference (NC) and various opposition parties moved key amendments.
These modifications sought explicit inclusions regarding the restoration of autonomy and Article 370, tying the current administrative demand directly to past legislative positions of the House.
The debate quickly intensified as treasury and opposition benches clashed over the constitutional history of the region.
Congress leader Nizamuddin criticised the BJP for “jingoism” and “subverting the Constitution,” arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should have already fulfilled their statehood promises if they truly supported Jammu and Kashmir.
Throughout the session, BJP leaders vehemently opposed the inclusion of autonomy references and Article 370. Protesting legislators raised continuous slogans and stood firmly in the well of the House to disrupt proceedings. Rejecting the core premise of the debate, the BJP benches maintained that discussions reviving special status were unacceptable.
As the majority vote drew closer, the BJP staged a formal walkout from the Assembly. Despite the boycott, the House passed the resolution by a majority vote, paving the way for renewed talks between the Jammu and Kashmir legislature and the Union government on restoring full statehood.
