Jammu and Kashmir Assembly adopts resolution demanding full statehood

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution on Monday demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, amid a walkout by BJP MLAs. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution, which sparked heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches after BJP members objected to references concerning the region's status before August 5, 2019. Legislators put forward 10 amendments for discussion, with eight seeking to broaden the scope to include the restoration of the special status the territory held prior to August 2019. BJP legislators entered the well of the House and raised slogans demanding that Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather step down. The opposition argued that 23 legislators had signed a motion against the Speaker and insisted it be taken up immediately. Rather stated he had not seen the notice and noted that assembly rules require a minimum 14-day gap before such a motion can be included in the House business. Congress leader Nizamuddin accused the BJP of jingoism and subverting the Constitution during the debate, noting that leaders should fulfill promises regarding statehood. Beyond the resolution, Chief Minister Abdullah introduced five bills in the Assembly, including measures to amend the salaries and allowances of ministers and legislators, and laws to promote ease of doing business. These bills propose shifting from permission-based controls to rule-based governance to attract investment and support economic growth, alongside an amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

Context

Resolutions passed by state assemblies act as formal expressions of the elected legislature's political will and public sentiment, though constitutional changes require action from the central government and Parliament. Jammu and Kashmir has experienced major administrative shifts following the reorganization of the erstwhile state into Union Territories in 2019.