BJP Warns Speaker: ‘Parallel Govt’ on Cards if Sovereignty of Nation is Challenged

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: A day of high drama unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as opposition BJP MLAs held a symbolic mock session on the Assembly lawns in protest against a resolution for the restoration of special status. The mock session followed a contentious session inside the Assembly where half of the BJP’s MLAs were marshalled out for protesting, while the remaining members walked out to voice their disapproval of what they deemed an “illegal” and “unconstitutional” resolution.

BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia accused the National Conference (NC) of “hijacking” the Assembly and creating a constitutional crisis. “The NC has overstepped its mandate by supporting a resolution that undermines established law and order,” Mankotia stated, emphasizing that his party would not tolerate actions he claimed were in violation of the rules.

In an escalated response, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma warned that the BJP would consider running a parallel government if Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather continued to “challenge the sovereignty and integrity of the country” with his rulings. “This mock Assembly should serve as a serious signal,” Sharma stated, adding that a parallel Assembly was already convened to address local issues. He cautioned that the Speaker’s continued behavior could lead the BJP to formalize a “parallel government” structure to uphold what he described as “constitutional values and national unity.”

The controversy arose earlier in the day when BJP legislators fiercely objected to the NC-backed resolution, which supports a return to the special status previously provided under Article 370. Sharma described the Speaker’s support of the resolution as “the darkest day in the Assembly’s history,” accusing him of acting as an agent of the NC rather than a neutral overseer of Assembly proceedings.

Sharma argued that the special status is “a historical matter” that was settled by the highest authorities in Indian democracy, including a definitive Supreme Court ruling. “The NC’s separatist mindset has degraded the dignity of this House,” he added, claiming the special status had only fueled unrest and violence in the region in the past.

Highlighting events associated with the period of special status, Sharma alleged, “Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee, and tragic incidents like those of Asiya Neelofar and Tufail Mattoo occurred during that era.” He claimed the NC’s pursuit of the resolution aimed to “revive street violence” and disrupt peace in the region.

Amid the escalating confrontation, the BJP vowed continued protests and warned of further action if the Assembly’s leadership continued to endorse resolutions they believe contravene the sovereignty of the nation.

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