Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Nov 5: Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma stated on Tuesday that the ruling National Conference is yet to offer the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
“So far, there has been no official communication from the National Conference regarding the Deputy Speaker’s position for the BJP,” Sharma said in an exclusive interview.
The BJP leader stated that, while it is customary for the main opposition party to hold this position, no steps have been taken in this direction yet.
Sunil Sharma also discussed Article 370, which was abrogated by the Parliament in 2019.
“Article 370 is now history. The Supreme Court has legitimated it, and then the people of Kashmir showed acceptance through their strong participation in the Parliamentary elections held in April and May”.
Sharma expressed confusion over what he called ‘NC’s “false promises” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in suggesting that the Assembly could challenge the abrogation of Article 370’.
Sunil Sharma accused the National Conference of “trying to revive old politics that misled the youth”.
“In the past, their politics encouraged youth to take to the streets with stones in their hands and it ended with the removal of Article 370. Now they are trying to bring it back, but BJP will never allow this,” he asserted.
On the restoration of statehood, Sharma confirmed that it is indeed on the BJP’s agenda.
“Our Prime Minister and Home Minister have both promised that statehood will be restored at the right time. But this is not something that can be decided by a quick resolution from a few ministers”.
“Parliament will make that decision through discussions, reports from security agencies, and then approval from the President,” he explained, urging patience.
Sharma also addressed the traditional Durbar Move, which involves shifting government offices between Jammu and Srinagar. “With the new e-filing system, this move is no longer essential, and it places a burden on the public budget. We will review the impact of this move on the People of Jammu and Kashmir and share our stance soon,” he said.
Commenting on BJP’s recent election success, Sharma assured people of Jammu and Kashmir that the party is committed to development of Jammu and Kashmir. “The BJP will ensure the government fulfills every promise made to the people,” he said.
Sharma honored security personnel and civilians who sacrificed their lives in Jammu and Kashmir. “We should always respect the security forces and civilians who have laid down their lives for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
He also mourned the recent passing of senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana, describing him as both a mentor and a brother. “His loss is a personal blow to me and an irreplaceable loss for the BJP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said, adding that no one could ever take Rana’s place across party lines. (KINS)
