Srinagar. After a week‑long autumn sitting, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly wrapped up its 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 a litany of complaints raised by lawmakers and ordinary citizens remain unresolved.
Opposition’s Catalogue of Grievances
Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session was productive, pointing out that while the Bharatiya Janata Party had tabled issues from several districts, pressing matters affecting daily‑wage labourers, contractual staff, National Health Mission personnel, ASHA volunteers and Anganwadi workers were relegated to the sidelines.
Statehood Bill Ignites Controversy
The most polarising episode revolved around a resolution seeking the full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced the motion on September 25, 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 referenced earlier positions on autonomy and special status. Sharma branded the text unconstitutional and questioned 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 assume responsibility for permitting the contentious resolution to be debated and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, asserting that the house adhered to established rules for such matters. The exchange heightened the confrontations that defined the week‑long session.
BJP Vows Rigorous Oversight of Government Performance
Following adjournment, Sharma pledged that the opposition would keep the administration under constant scrutiny. He announced that the BJP would compile a detailed dossier contrasting the promises made by the Abdullah ministry with its actual achievements.
Session Ends with Deepening Political Rift
The autumn session concluded with stark disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service issues, and the statehood resolution, underscoring the entrenched political divide within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
