Proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma renewed his demand for the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather over the contentious resolution discussed in the House.

Raising the matter at the beginning of the proceedings, Sharma questioned the Speaker’s decision to allow the resolution to come up for discussion, describing the move as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

According to news agency KNC, the BJP leader argued that concerns raised over the legal and procedural aspects of the resolution warranted the Speaker taking responsibility for the decision.

Sharma also referred to the government’s position on the matter and statements attributed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, contending that these had further raised questions regarding the manner in which the resolution was introduced and taken up in the Assembly.

He demanded that Rather step down from the Speaker’s chair, maintaining that the objections raised over the resolution required accountability from the presiding officer.

The demand led to a fresh confrontation between the opposition and treasury benches, with members of the National Conference raising “Vote Chor” slogans amid the heated exchanges.

Meanwhile, the BJP has continued to oppose the inclusion of references to the 2000 autonomy resolution in the Statehood resolution, while maintaining that it supports the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to the opposition’s objections, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asserted that he was aware of his constitutional powers and responsibilities while presiding over the House.

The proceedings continued amid repeated interruptions and slogans as members from both sides exchanged arguments over the resolution and the Speaker’s ruling.