Chaos Over Article 370: Evicted BJP MLAs Hold ‘Parallel Assembly’ in Jammu and Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly, a political storm brews over Article 370, with evicted BJP MLAs launching their own protest ‘Assembly’ on the lawns. Here’s a breakdown of the unfolding events and what they mean for the region’s political landscape.

The Tensions Begin

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which recently reconvened under Omar Abdullah’s government, became the scene of high drama as BJP legislators disrupted proceedings to protest a contentious resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370. This session marked the first Assembly meeting since the Omar-led government took charge, but the discussions quickly veered into heated exchanges, resulting in the eviction of multiple BJP MLAs. In response, the evicted MLAs held what they termed a “parallel Assembly” on the Assembly’s lawns, vowing to oppose any move to restore the special status.

The "Parallel Assembly" Protest

After being escorted out by Assembly marshals, a dozen BJP MLAs gathered outside to conduct their own “session.” Sunil Sharma, BJP's leader of Opposition, emphasized that this parallel assembly was their form of protest against what they considered an unconstitutional challenge to Article 370’s abrogation, a decision upheld by both Parliament and the Supreme Court. As a symbol of solidarity, the BJP-led protest observed a moment of silence for two village defense guards who had recently fallen victim to militant violence in Kishtwar.

Sharma’s declaration that they may escalate their protest by establishing a “parallel government” highlights the high-stakes nature of the dispute over Article 370. This parallel assembly was not only a protest but also a statement of BJP’s firm stance against any effort to reverse the changes implemented in 2019.

Article 370 and the Battle Over Special Status

The BJP has long maintained that Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, was a barrier to the state’s integration into India. In 2019, the article was abrogated, revoking the special status and bringing Jammu and Kashmir directly under central rule. This move has remained controversial, with some political factions, particularly the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), continuing to call for the restoration of special status as a way to respect the unique cultural and political identity of the region.

BJP’s 29 legislators, forming a significant minority in the Assembly, have consistently opposed this call, warning that it would undermine the state's integration with India. During the Assembly session, the two sides clashed vocally, with BJP MLAs shouting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Pakistan ka agenda nahin chalega” (Pakistan’s agenda won’t work) to underscore their opposition.

A Divisive Assembly Session

Friday’s Assembly proceedings turned chaotic as BJP MLAs took to the floor, chanting slogans and refusing to back down. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, aiming to restore order, ordered marshals to remove the protesting legislators from the chamber. Some were even physically lifted and dragged out after resisting eviction.

While BJP MLAs staged their protest outside, National Conference and other pro-restoration legislators defended the Assembly’s right to debate Article 370’s status. Their argument was rooted in the belief that they were elected by the people to represent their interests, and if the people wished to see a return to the pre-2019 arrangement, it was their duty to bring it up in the Assembly.

The Implications: What’s Next?

This unprecedented move by BJP MLAs to hold a “parallel Assembly” is a clear warning shot, signaling their intention to resist any attempts to reopen discussions on Article 370. The threat to establish a “parallel government” may be symbolic, but it highlights the depth of the political divide in Jammu and Kashmir over this issue.

For the Omar Abdullah government and the Assembly, the incident underscores the ongoing complexities of governing a region with diverse political views. National Conference and its allies must now weigh how to address this issue without exacerbating existing tensions.

As the debate over Article 370 continues, it’s evident that Jammu and Kashmir remains at a political crossroads. The path forward will depend on whether the regional government can navigate these highly charged issues while maintaining stability and addressing the people’s demands for both security and representation.

Reference from:-https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chaos-over-article-370-evicted-bjp-mlas-hold-parallel-assembly-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2061729