Heated Exchanges Mark Assembly Proceedings Over ‘Special Status’ Debate in Jammu
Jammu, Feb 7, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on Saturday as members of the treasury and opposition benches clashed over the use of the term “special status” in reference to the erstwhile constitutional position of the Union Territory.
The uproar erupted during the general discussion on the Budget 2026–27, presented earlier by the Chief Minister, as legislators engaged in a heated verbal duel over Article 370 and Article 35A.
The confrontation began when National Conference (NC) MLA Javid Hassan Baig, while opening the debate, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “snatching” Article 370 and eroding the internal autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.
As Baig called for restoration of what he termed as the “special status” of J&K, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma objected, stating that no such expression exists in the Indian Constitution with reference to the region.
His remarks triggered protests from NC members, with several legislators rising from their seats and raising slogans. Minister for Transport Satish Sharma joined the treasury benches, criticising the opposition and remarking that those unaware of history should refrain from commenting on it.
The situation escalated as both sides exchanged slogans, with BJP members raising nationalist chants, while treasury benches responded with counter slogans, leading to repeated interruptions in the House proceedings.
Further tension arose when Independent MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan revisited the issue, asserting that Article 370 would “return” and calling for restoration of statehood and special status, prompting strong objections from BJP legislators who demanded that his remarks be expunged.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other coalition members intervened, defending the remarks and countering opposition criticism, resulting in another round of heated exchanges inside the Assembly.
The Chair initially ruled that any objectionable remarks would be expunged if they hurt members, but the decision itself became a point of contention, drawing protests from both sides.
The House witnessed a third round of confrontation when BJP MLA Sunil Bhardwaj accused the NC-led government of projecting centrally funded schemes as its own achievements, drawing sharp rebuttal from ministers including Deputy Chief Minister and Sakeena Itoo.
Outside the Assembly, Baig reiterated that Article 370 and 35A defined the constitutional relationship and protections for J&K, while Sunil Sharma maintained that “special status” has no constitutional basis and accused the NC of misleading people.
Despite brief restoration of order, disruptions recurred multiple times, reflecting deep political divisions over constitutional and governance issues in Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
