J&K Assembly erupts as PDP’s Waheed Para pushes resolution for Article 370 restoration, sparks BJP protest

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s first session in over six years turned chaotic on Monday, 4 November, as PDP MLA Waheed Para introduced a resolution seeking to restore Article 370, which had granted special status to the former state. The session opened with the election of veteran National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather as Speaker, marking his first task in overseeing a highly charged debate over the resolution.

Para, representing Pulwama, proposed that the Assembly formally oppose the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, stating that the move was necessary to respect “the sentiments of the people of J&K.” The resolution immediately met with strong opposition from BJP MLAs, with all 28 party members standing to voice their dissent. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma demanded Para’s suspension, arguing that the resolution violated assembly rules as it was introduced without prior notification. Speaker Rather repeatedly urged order, reminding members of assembly procedures and calling on them to resume their seats.

Despite the Speaker's appeals, the disruption continued, as NC members countered the BJP’s objections, leading NC MLA Shabir Kullay to enter the well of the House in protest. Chief Minister and NC leader Omar Abdullah, while addressing the Assembly, acknowledged the deep sentiments surrounding Article 370 but pointed out that the resolution did not carry formal legislative weight. He stated that issues of this nature require structured, procedural consultation and announced that further discussions on the matter would be considered with the Speaker's guidance.

Outside the Assembly, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti voiced support for Para’s move, posting on social media that she was “proud” of his efforts to bring attention to Article 370’s restoration. Meanwhile, People’s Conference (PC) leader Sajjad Lone expressed skepticism, criticizing Abdullah for recent meetings with senior central leaders and questioning regional leaders’ approach to advocating for J&K’s special status.

The heated session also highlighted ongoing divisions within the Assembly, with members from the NC, PDP, People’s Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) clashing with BJP representatives on the floor. Speaker Rather, who adjourned the Assembly after repeated interruptions, reminded members of the need to adhere to procedural rules and announced that the Assembly would reconvene at 11:30 am for the Lieutenant Governor’s address. The 2019 abrogation of Article 370 by the BJP-led central government, which reorganized Jammu and Kashmir into the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, remains a contentious issue in the region.