Srinagar. After a seven‑day autumn session, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly adjourned with the house split sharply 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, alleging that a litany of complaints raised by lawmakers and ordinary residents remain unanswered.
Opposition’s Catalogue of Grievances
Sharma dismissed the administration’s claim that the session was productive. He pointed out that, while the Bharatiya Janata Party had raised issues from several districts, matters affecting daily‑wage laborers, contractual staff, National Health Mission workers, ASHA volunteers and Anganwadi employees were left untouched.
Statehood Resolution Ignites Turmoil
The most heated dispute centered on a resolution demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled the motion on September 25, and the Assembly approved it despite a walkout and protests by 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 language unconstitutional and questioned why Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather allowed the debate to proceed despite objections from the Law Department and the Chief Secretary.
Speaker Comes Under Fire
Sharma pressed the Speaker to own up for permitting the controversial resolution to be debated and adopted. Rather defended the Assembly’s procedural safeguards, insisting that the house adhered to established rules for such matters. The exchange heightened the confrontations that defined the week‑long session.
BJP Vows to Scrutinise the Government’s Record
Following the adjournment, Sharma pledged that the opposition would keep the government under close scrutiny. He announced that the BJP would compile a detailed dossier contrasting the promises made by the Abdullah ministry with its actual performance.
Session Ends Amid Deepening Divide
The autumn session wrapped up with stark disagreements over governance priorities, public‑service concerns, and the statehood resolution, underscoring the enduring political rift within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
