Article 370 Resolution Row: Chaos Erupts In Jammu And Kashmir Assembly For Third Day As BJP, Regional Parties Clash

Jammu and Kashmir:  After two consecutive days of ruckus, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly witnessed a similar situation on Friday after BJP legislators and MLAs from different regional parties spar over the passing of a resolution over contentious Article 370, which was repealed in 2019 by the centre. Legislators from both sides raised slogans, confronted physically and some staged a walkout on the third day of the assembly.

Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid's brother and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA, was escorted out of the House amid the uproar. The BJP staged a walkout after several of its members were also marshalled out following chaotic scenes in the assembly.

The contention ensued two days ago when the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding immediate restoration of Article 370 and 35A. Bharatiya Janata Party, the second-largest party in the house, termed the resolution illegal and demanded it be withdrawn.

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Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather dismissed the demand, clarifying that only the House—not the Speaker—has the authority to reverse any passed resolution.

During an earlier session, Sheikh Khursheed entered the assembly well when the leader of the opposition BJP Sunil Sharma was giving a speech. Sheikh, who was holding a banner demanding restoration of now repealed articles, was immediately protested against by BJP MLAs. A physical scuffle also broke out in the house, following which it was adjourned for a brief period.

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After the session resumed, BJP members continued their protest despite the Speaker's repeated calls for order. BJP members continued with slogans honouring Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, while NC members countered with chants celebrating historic sacrifices for Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy.

Centre repealed Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, integrating it fully into India under the Constitution. Article 370 allowed autonomy, while 35A granted exclusive rights to residents. This move led to Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganisation into two union territories.