Proceedings of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly were disrupted on Monday after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) moved a notice seeking the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather from his post. BJP MLA R.S. Pathania conveyed the notice to the Speaker during the ongoing Assembly session.The move came amid continuing disagreement between BJP legislators and the ruling benches over a resolution seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has objected to the wording of the resolution, particularly its reference to earlier resolutions concerning autonomy and special status.Why Did the BJP Seek the Speaker’s Removal?According to reports, the BJP accused Speaker Rather of allowing a resolution containing references that it considers unacceptable. BJP legislators argued that the Speaker should not continue presiding over the House after the removal notice was submitted.BJP MLA R.S. Pathania said the party had submitted the notice against Rather and raised objections over the handling of proceedings. BJP members also entered the Well of the House and raised slogans demanding that the Speaker vacate the chair.Reports said the BJP's notice cited alleged constitutional and procedural violations. One report said the resolution was submitted under Section 19(2)(c) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.What Is the Dispute Over the Statehood Resolution?The controversy follows a resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 25 seeking the “immediate and urgent restoration” of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.The resolution stated that it was in addition to resolutions passed by the Assembly on June 26, 2000, and November 6, 2024. The 2000 resolution concerned greater autonomy, while the 2024 resolution related to the restoration of special status.The BJP objected to including references to these earlier resolutions. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma described the references as controversial and unacceptable to the BJP and said the party would oppose attempts to reopen questions concerning autonomy or Article 370.Omar Abdullah, however, said the latest resolution was specifically about restoration of statehood. He explained that the references to the earlier resolutions were included to make clear that the new resolution did not replace or subsume them.How Did the Speaker Respond?After the BJP submitted the notice, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the matter would be taken up in the business of the House and processed according to the applicable rules and procedure.The development added to disruptions during the autumn session, which has already seen repeated exchanges between BJP members and legislators from the ruling National Conference and Congress."The Assembly’s official eVidhan portal lists Rather as the Speaker and records the September 28 business of the House. It also shows that amendments to the Chief Minister’s September 25 resolution were listed on September 27."What Happens Next?The BJP’s notice does not itself remove the Speaker from office. The proposal will have to go through the prescribed Assembly procedure before any decision is taken.The immediate issue is therefore both procedural and political: the BJP is seeking action against the Speaker, while the ruling side has defended the statehood resolution as a demand for restoration of full statehood.Further proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will determine how the removal notice is considered and whether it advances for discussion or voting under the applicable rules.Also Read : Ladakh Statehood: Centre Proposes Unique Elected Body Without Statehood
