Srinagar. After a seven‑day autumn sitting, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly wrapped up its agenda, leaving the chamber sharply split between the ruling coalition and an outspoken opposition. On the concluding day, opposition chief Sunil Sharma launched a blistering critique of the Omar Abdullah government, insisting that a raft of complaints raised by lawmakers and ordinary residents remain unresolved.
Opposition’s Catalogue of Complaints
Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session had been fruitful. He pointed out that the Bharatiya Janata Party had tabled grievances from multiple districts, yet matters affecting daily‑wage workers, contract staff, National Health Mission employees, ASHA volunteers and Anganwadi personnel were relegated to the sidelines.
Statehood Bill Triggers Fierce Debate
The most polarising issue was a resolution seeking the full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced the motion on 25 September, and the Assembly approved it despite a walk‑out and protests from BJP legislators.
Although the BJP publicly endorses the return of statehood, it objected to the wording of the resolution, which alluded to earlier positions on autonomy and special status. Sharma denounced the text as unconstitutional and asked why Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the debate to proceed in spite of objections from the Law Department and the Chief Secretary.
Speaker Faces Intense Scrutiny
Sharma pressed the Speaker to account for permitting the contentious resolution to be discussed and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, asserting that the house adhered to established rules for such matters. The exchange amplified the confrontations that defined the week‑long session.
BJP Vows Rigorous Oversight
Following the adjournment, Sharma pledged that the opposition would keep the government under close watch. He announced that the BJP would compile a detailed dossier contrasting the promises made by the Abdullah ministry with its actual performance.
Session Ends with Deepening Rift
The autumn session closed with pronounced disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service concerns and the statehood resolution, highlighting the enduring political divide within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
