The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated debate as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma clashed over whether the legislature holds the same status as those in other states.
During a discussion on budget allocations, Sharma argued that after August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was brought on par with other states, ensuring justice and equality.
However, Abdullah challenged this claim. “If you truly believe that, then there is nothing more to say,” he remarked. “But the reality is, we are still fighting for equality. We are not even at par with our neighbouring states.”
The debate escalated when the opposition defended the allocation of land to non-locals for industrial projects. The Chief Minister countered by citing Himachal Pradesh.
“Would the same policy apply there? Setting up a business in Himachal is far more difficult. Here, there is no job reservation for locals in industries set up by outsiders, while in Himachal, 70 per cent of jobs are reserved for locals,” he argued.
Abdullah also accused the opposition of invoking the Maharaja’s legacy only when convenient.
“You removed the state subject laws that protected the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Jammu, from losing their land and jobs to outsiders,” he said. “You replaced the Ranbir Penal Code. Yet, you accuse us of disrespecting the Maharaja?”
Responding to BJP MLA Balwant Singh’s remarks, the Chief Minister used a cricketing analogy.
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“During elections, I played like a fast bowler on Australia’s green pitches. Now, in the changed scenario, I am a spin bowler on BCCI’s spin-friendly pitches. The goal remains the same—to win,” he said.
Abdullah opened his speech with a poetic verse in Kashmiri, followed by its Hindustani translation:
Sardiyon Ka Mausam Nikal Jayega; Barf Pighal Jaayegi, Phir Se Bahar Aayegi (Winter will pass, snow will melt, and spring will return in its splendour).
He noted that despite his attempt to bring positivity, the Assembly remained dominated by political disputes.
