The ruling alliance of Jammu and Kashmir, led by the National Conference (NC), Congress, and CPI(M), has decided to jointly counter the opposition, mainly the BJP, in the budget session, which begins on Monday in Jammu.
At a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence, alliance leaders discussed their strategy and ways to ensure smooth proceedings in the House.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the meeting, which was attended by NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah, JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra, Congress leader G.A. Mir and CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami.
The leaders agreed to present a united front against the opposition and thwart attempts to target the alliance.
#FLASH : LG Manoj Sinha’s address underway at Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Session.
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He says “This session is not just a legislative formality but a reflection of your commitment to good governance, transparency and inclusive development. This Budget carries historic significance as… pic.twitter.com/Cc4ptNvTkU
A key topic of discussion was the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Mir stressed the importance of this budget session, as it is the first in seven years to be presented by an elected government rather than bureaucrats. He said the previous LG administration had already allocated most of the funds, leaving little room for new projects in the short term.
Tarigami said people have high expectations from the government, and legislators must use the Assembly to address public concerns. NC Chief Whip Mubarak Gul urged party members to be well-prepared to counter opposition arguments and showcase the government’s achievements.
Disruptions
At the same time, the PDP is planning to introduce bills on issues such as banning alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir and regularising property rights for people living on public land. The final decision on these proposals will depend on discussions and voting in the Assembly.
With the budget session now underway, the ruling alliance and the opposition are set for intense debates as major political and governance issues take centre stage in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
This is the first budget session in Jammu and Kashmir in seven years. The last budget was presented by the BJP-PDP government in 2018. However, the government collapsed in June of the same year, leading to the President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir. In August 2019, the BJP made the Article 370 move, and Jammu and Kashmir were split into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Elections were held in September and October last year, bringing to power an alliance of NC, Congress and CPI (M). Later, some independents also joined th alliance. The BJP emerged as the second largest party winning 29 seats, the highest ever tally in Jammu and Kashmir and earning itself the position of a strong opposition.
