Srinagar. After seven days of intense debate, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly wrapped up its autumn session, leaving the chamber sharply split between the ruling coalition and a vociferous opposition. On the final day, opposition leader Sunil Sharma launched a blistering critique of the Omar Abdullah government, insisting that numerous complaints raised by lawmakers and ordinary citizens remain unresolved.
Opposition’s List of Grievances
Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session was productive. He pointed out that, although the Bharatiya Janata Party had tabled concerns from several districts, matters affecting daily‑wage laborers, contract employees, National Health Mission staff, ASHA workers and Anganwadi personnel were conspicuously ignored.
Controversial Statehood Motion Fuels Row
The most polarising issue centered on a resolution demanding the full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced the motion on September 25, and despite a walk‑out and protests by BJP legislators, the Assembly approved it.
While 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 labelled the text unconstitutional and asked why Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the debate to proceed despite objections from the Law Department and the Chief Secretary.
Speaker Under Fire
Sharma pressed the Speaker to take responsibility for permitting the contentious resolution to be discussed and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, asserting that the house follows established rules for such matters. The exchange heightened the confrontations that defined the week‑long session.
BJP Vows Rigorous Scrutiny of Government Record
Following 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 Divide
The autumn session closed amid stark disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service issues, and the statehood resolution, underscoring the enduring political rift within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
